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221st Base Support Battalion

In 2005, an official ceremony in Heidelberg, Germany marked the reflagging of the Installation Management Agency - Europe's Area Support Groups, Base Support Battalions, and Area Support Teams into 21 US Army Garrisons to align with the common US Army installation management structure worldwide, known as Standard Garrison Organization. As a result, the 221st Base Support Battalion was inactivated and reflagged as the US Army Garrison Wiesbaden.

Wiesbaden was nestled in the Rhein Valley at the junction of the Rhein and Main rivers, below the scenic Taunus Mountains. To the west extended the world famous Rheingau region, known for its white and sparkling wines.

While building fortifications, Roman soldiers discovered 26 natural hot springs that they quickly diverted into this remote Roman Post's famous baths. Known as "baths in the meadow", Wiesbaden's growth as a spa and health center reached its zenith near the end of the 19th century. The Kurpark (Spa Park) stretched half a mile northwards along the Kuranlagen. The park contained trees more than 100 years old and an attractive lake.

Wiesbaden's historic center encompassed most of the city's notable sights. Scenic gems included the Kurhaus, Hessian State Theater, Opera House; Markt Platz with the Market Church, City Hall, Hessian State Parliament and Biebrich Castle. The most popular and elegant annual event in Wiesbaden was the May Festival, which brought operatic and dramatic troupes from as far as Buenos Aires and Belgrade.

Above the city, on the Neroberg, rise the golden domes of the "Greek Chapel," built by a grieving Duke of Nassau for his young Russian bride who died giving childbirth.

The pedestrian zone and Wilhelmstrasse offer great shopping opportunities to please every taste and budget.

Mainz' rich history had been lighted by such luminaries as Barbarossa, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and Gutenberg. There was the site of the first printed (with movable type) book, a Gutenberg Bible printed somewhere between 1452-1455. The Gutenberg Museum displayed his hand press and a reconstructed printing workshop. Mainz also was home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany.

The cathedral, or "Dom," served as a focal point for the city. A large farmer's market takes placed every Thursday and Saturday in the plaza beside the cathedral.

Mainz was perhaps most famous for being one of 3 major cities on the Rhein that celebrate Fasching. Fasching began on the 11th day of the 11th month and culminated in a 4-hour parade the last Monday before Lent.