Swiss-History.com presents historic and contemporary photographs and prints from Switzerland.

1868 - Uri

Wooden houses along the Gotthard Pass route in Uri, Switzerland

From Wikipedia:

It is thought that the name Uri derives from the old German word Aurochs meaning wild ox. This is backed up by the fact that the region's traditional coat of arms bears a bull's head.

In 1243 the region had a common seal. By 1274 the powerful Rudolf of Habsburg recognized these privileges. Uri was one of the three original Swiss cantons, having signed the Letter of Alliance (Bundesbrief) in 1291. In 1386 Uri participated in the victory over the Austrians at Sempach. As a result Uri annexed the lands of Urseren in 1410.