Eussenhausen Border Crossing Point

The DDR devoted  enormous resources to build, staff  and upgrade the border barrier system.  There were, however, a few legal crossing points; one of which was located in the Eaglehorse sector, by the village of Eussenhausen,  just to the east of OP Sierra / OP Tennessee.   

 

This border feature  opened in 1972 where Highway 19 crossed into East Germany.  Before 72, the road stopped at the fence line.  To allow trade goods to cross back and forth between  the nations behind the Iron Curtain and the West, road and rail crossings needed to be developed.  These were negotiated in the early 1970's and opened in 1972.  Other crossing points included one at Coburg, to the south east in the 2nd ACR sector and  Herleshausen and Bebra elsewhere in the Blackhorse border area. 

 

 Travel from the DDR into West Germany was very tightly controlled for private citizens.  Access from the West was somewhat more open.  Eaglehorse troopers had no involvement in the crossing point beyond  casual observation from our OP.  The West German side was screened by members of the BGS and Federal Customs Police.  The East German side, with a full array of check points, inspection points, towers, bunkers and barracks buildings, was manned by their Customs Police and secured by members of a Border Troop company.

 

Today, at the former crossing point, Highway 19 passes seamlessly through the area, just off to the sides, however,  many former East German buildings remain as relics. 

Overhead view of the East German control and inspection point at the Eussenhausen Crossing point.  --Erwin Ritter
 

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