# Aboncourt

> commune in Moselle, France

**Wikidata**: [Q21781](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21781)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboncourt,_Moselle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aboncourt

## Summary
Aboncourt is a commune located in the Moselle department of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. It is a small municipality situated at coordinates 49.260555555556° N, 6.3469444444444° E, with a population fluctuating between approximately 240 and 392 residents in recent recorded years. Historically known by the aliases Endorf and Epindorf, it falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Thionville.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision for municipalities).
- **Location**: Moselle department, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.260555555556, Longitude 6.3469444444444.
- **Aliases**: Endorf, Epindorf.
- **Administrative Arrondissement**: Arrondissement of Thionville (inception: 2015-01-01).
- **Former Administrative Arrondissement**: Arrondissement of Thionville-Est (active 1901–2015).
- **Department Inception**: Moselle department established on 1790-03-04.
- **Historical Region**: Part of the former District of Alsace-Lorraine (Bezirk Lothringen), established 1871-05-20.
- **Population Data Points**: Recorded figures include 372, 363, 362, 351, 340, 287, 240, 338, 337, 346, 341, 392, 330, 324, 321, 318, and 320.
- **Country**: France.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Aboncourt, Moselle.
- **Sitelink Count**: 43 (Wikidata).
- **Award Association**: Associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 (French military decoration established 1915-04-02).

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Aboncourt located within the French administrative hierarchy?**
Aboncourt is a commune situated in the Moselle department, which is part of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. Administratively, it currently belongs to the arrondissement of Thionville, having been transferred there on January 1, 2015. Prior to this reorganization, it was part of the arrondissement of Thionville-Est, which existed from 1901 until 2015.

**What are the historical names and population trends of this commune?**
The commune is historically known by the aliases Endorf and Epindorf. Its population has varied over time, with recorded figures ranging from a low of 240 to a high of 392 across different census years, reflecting the demographic shifts typical of small rural municipalities.

**How does Aboncourt relate to the broader history of the Moselle region?**
The territory of Aboncourt is part of the Moselle department, which was established on March 4, 1790. Historically, this area was also part of the District of Alsace-Lorraine (Bezirk Lothringen) during the period from 1871 to 1918, reflecting the complex border changes in the region.

**Is Aboncourt recognized for any specific military honors?**
While specific details of local battles are not provided in the source, the commune is associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915. This association indicates the commune's connection to the events and sacrifices of World War I.

## Why It Matters
Aboncourt serves as a microcosm of the administrative and historical evolution of the Moselle department and the broader Lorraine region. Its existence as a commune illustrates the decentralized structure of the French Republic, where even small municipalities maintain distinct identities and administrative records. The entity is significant for understanding the demographic patterns of rural France, as evidenced by its fluctuating population data, and for tracing the historical border shifts between France and Germany, particularly through its inclusion in the former District of Alsace-Lorraine. Furthermore, its association with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 highlights the role of small communities in the collective memory of national conflicts, preserving the legacy of World War I within the local landscape.

## Notable For
- **Historical Aliases**: Known historically as Endorf and Epindorf, reflecting its linguistic and cultural evolution.
- **Administrative Reorganization**: Successfully transitioned from the former arrondissement of Thionville-Est to the current arrondissement of Thionville in 2015.
- **Geographic Precision**: Defined by specific coordinates (49.260555555556° N, 6.3469444444444° E) within the Moselle department.
- **Military Recognition**: Linked to the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, signifying its contribution or experience during the First World War.
- **Demographic Variability**: Exhibits a wide range of recorded population figures, from 240 to 392, showcasing local demographic dynamics.
- **Regional History**: Part of the historic District of Alsace-Lorraine (Bezirk Lothringen) established in 1871.
- **Departmental Foundation**: Located within the Moselle department, one of the original French departments created in 1790.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Aboncourt is geographically positioned in the Moselle department of France. Its precise location is marked by the coordinates 49.260555555556° North latitude and 6.3469444444444° East longitude. As a commune, it represents the smallest level of administrative division in the French territorial structure. The commune is situated within the broader context of the Grand Est region, which encompasses the historical territory of Lorraine.

### Administrative Structure and History
The commune operates under the administrative framework of the French Republic. It is currently part of the arrondissement of Thionville, a division that was established on January 1, 2015. Prior to this date, Aboncourt belonged to the arrondissement of Thionville-Est, which was in existence from 1901 until its dissolution in 2015. The commune falls under the jurisdiction of the Moselle department, which was created on March 4, 1790, as part of the initial reorganization of France during the French Revolution. Historically, the area was also part of the Bezirk Lothringen (District of Alsace-Lorraine), a district established on May 20, 1871, during the period of German administration.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Aboncourt has shown variability over the recorded years. Data points indicate a range of figures, including 372, 363, 362, 351, 340, 287, 240, 338, 337, 346, 341, 392, 330, 324, 321, 318, and 320 residents. These figures reflect the demographic trends of a small rural commune, where population numbers can fluctuate due to migration, birth rates, and economic factors. The lowest recorded figure in the provided data is 240, while the highest is 392.

### Historical Context and Identity
Aboncourt is known by the historical aliases Endorf and Epindorf, which provide insight into the linguistic history of the region. These names suggest a Germanic influence or origin, consistent with the area's history as part of the District of Alsace-Lorraine. The commune's history is intertwined with the broader political shifts of the Moselle region, particularly the changes in sovereignty between France and Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries.

### Military Recognition
The commune is associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established on April 2, 1915. This award is typically given to units or localities that have been cited for acts of heroism during World War I. The association of Aboncourt with this decoration indicates that the commune or its inhabitants played a role in the conflict, contributing to the national narrative of the war.

### Digital and Informational Presence
In the digital realm, Aboncourt is represented on Wikidata with a sitelink count of 43, indicating a moderate level of documentation and interest across various language editions of Wikipedia. The primary Wikipedia title for the entity is "Aboncourt, Moselle," which distinguishes it from other communes with similar names. The entity is classified as a "commune of France," a category that encompasses all municipalities within the country.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
8. Populations légales 2016
9. Populations légales 2017
10. Populations légales 2018
11. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)