Cannon Railway Line (Kanonenbahn) Berlin-Metz

After the German-French war 1870/71 had been won by Germany, also thanks to their fast troop movements by rail, in 1872 a railway line from Berlin to Metz was planned and its single track completed in 1879. In 1896 the two-track extension was concluded. In 1880 the train journey from Metz to Berlin took 18 hours.

This railway line into Lorraine, which was part of the German Reich, got the nickname ‘cannon line’ because of its military importance. During World Wars I and II this line was also used as a supply line to the western fronts. To disrupt the troop supplies the complete railway installations of Bullay were bombarded.

The railway as a central means of transport brought economic rise and a higher standard of living to the region of Bullay. Industry, commerce and business preferred locations along this line, tourism developed, children were able to attend secondary schools and visits to doctors or institutions became easier.

Delivery of wine via rail became inexpensive for vintners and winecellars important economic progress for the Moselle region.