All, If you don't mind I'd like your opinion as I trying to establish a more consistent data entry for my locations from Germany. My main thought is that even though in it's early history, each of the separate German areas were considered separate countries, they were all loosely held together. Hence, the I propose that the Duchy / Kingdom of Württemberg "always" remain at a level below the country, empire or nation. This makes it simpler to provide consistent results. The other idea that people will say is that "Germany" did not exist until 1871, while that may be accurate, if you've ever looked at census records, before 1870, they will indicate a country of birth as Germany. So the idea of a German "Nation" in my opinion has existed for several hundred years. Below is what I'm think about for trying to get a logical sequence for locations in Germany. My main focus is Württemberg since ever ancestor I have that claims German came from Württemberg. Other areas may vary, but I think the below is fairly sound and would like additional input. Detail (Address, if known or existed) Village / Town / City / Area Oberamt (Similar to a township in the US) Kreis (Similar to a county in the US) State / Duchy / Kingdom Country / Empire / Nation Example would be from pre 1495 - 1800: Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Duchy of Württemberg Holy Roman Empire (of the German Nation, after 1512) Example 1806 - 1814: Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Kingdom of Württemberg Confederation of the Rhine Example 1815 - 1866: Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Kingdom of Württemberg German Confederation 1867 - 1870 Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Kingdom of Württemberg German Confederation 1871 - 1918 Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Kingdom of Württemberg German Empire 1918 - 1945 Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Kingdom of Württemberg Weimar Republic or Germany??? 1945 - 1989 (at some point Baden-Württemberg was formed) Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg) West Germany 1990 - Present Degerloch Oberamt Stuttgart Neckarkries Baden-Württemberg Germany Is my thinking logical to cover the various points in history as well as being accurate, if my data is correct? I know that Degerloch was first mentioned in 1100 AD. So the other question is when did the use of Oberamt start? Same for Kries? Also would English equivalents be proper or actual German spelling using special characters? Difference between Wuerttemberg and Württemberg? Personally I prefer the Württemberg spelling, just looking for your opinion. Thank you for your time. Thanks, Kevin Sholder "rdrunner" <rdrunner@siscom.net>