Sophie Henschel: The pioneer of the locomotive factory in Kassel

Sophie Henschel: The pioneer of the locomotive factory in Kassel

At a time when women were often no longer seen as decorative accessories, Sophie Henschel made a name for herself in the male-dominated locomotive industry. For almost two decades she ran the Henschel & Sohn locomotive factory in Kassel, leaving an impressive legacy not only in the industrial sector, but also in the city's social landscape. Sophie Henschel was not just an entrepreneur, she was a pioneer who fought against the social norms of her time and became one of the richest women in the German Empire. fr.de reports that she took over management of the company after her husband Oscar Henschel died in 1894. Under her leadership, the company became a model of innovative technology and economic skill.

Sophie Henschel, born on November 11, 1841 in Rothenhoff and mother of four children, was involved in her husband's business from the beginning. After Oscar Henschel's early death, she took over full, unrestricted administration of his estate and demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial skills. She not only had telephone lines installed in her villa in order to communicate efficiently with the directors, but also invested in new technologies - including the development of the first electric locomotive (E-Locomotive) in 1905. Together with her son Carl, whom she conscientiously prepared for the company's successor, she significantly shaped the company's fortunes.

Social responsibility and commitment

But Sophie Henschel's influence was not limited to the industrial sector. She was also very socially committed and founded social institutions for her workers to improve their quality of life. In 1869 she founded a district group of the Fatherland Women's Association, which she led until her death in 1915. She also dedicated her time to the Red Cross Hospital and was involved in social issues in the city of Kassel. She donated the Henschel Fountain, which was inaugurated in 1912 and remains a symbol of her heritage to this day. Wikipedia documents her work for the citizens of Kassel and the numerous traces she left behind in the city, including a lung sanatorium.

The role of women in society during Sophie Henschel's time was often marked by challenges. [Digital German Women's Archive](https://www.digitales-deutsches-frauenarchiv.de/themen/kaufstaetigkeit-von-frauen-im-kaiserreich-und-der-weimarer- Republik) highlights that women often worked in poorly paid positions and were often not taken seriously by society. Henschel not only set the course for her own success, but also set a strong example for other women in the industry. Her career shows that it was possible to be successful in a male-dominated world.

Sophie Henschel died on February 5, 1915, but her legacy lives on. Ideas about women in leadership continue to evolve today, and their stories inspire future generations. During her life, she not only did good business, but also created a framework for social responsibility in business that is still relevant today. An example of their recognition is the posthumous award by the Henschel Museum, which is run on a voluntary basis and is open to visitors on certain days.