Franzfeld was one of the ten Mother colonies in the Liebental District founded in 1804. Its Russian name at the time was Michailowka.
In 1905, there were 924 residents of Franzfeld with 130 houses. The majority of 5,696 acres of land comprising the colony was used for plowland, with 1,045 acres used as pasture for the colony's 400 horses and 732 head of cattle.
On 19 April 1849, work began on the new Catholic church for the growing community. It was completed on 13 May 1851 and dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael. Because there was no regular priest, the parishioners submitted a petition to become an independent parish, which was granted 3 March 1853. Their first priest arrived 25 May 1853, and the church was consecrated 1 October 1861.
In 1905, there were 924 residents of Franzfeld with 130 houses. The majority of 5,696 acres of land comprising the colony was used for plowland, with 1,045 acres used as pasture for the colony's 400 horses and 732 head of cattle.
On 19 April 1849, work began on the new Catholic church for the growing community. It was completed on 13 May 1851 and dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael. Because there was no regular priest, the parishioners submitted a petition to become an independent parish, which was granted 3 March 1853. Their first priest arrived 25 May 1853, and the church was consecrated 1 October 1861.
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| Plat map of Franzfeld Source: Paradise on the Steppe, p. 262 |
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| Location of Franzfeld |
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Sources:
- Black Sea German Research website, plat map collection
- The Emigration from Germany to Russia in the Years 1763 to 1862, Karl Stumpp, p. 569
- Germans from Russia Settlement Locations, Liebental Colonies map
- German-Russian Handbook, Ulrich Mertens, p. 354
- Paradise on the Steppe, Joseph S. Height, p. 259-262
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