Ninth Fort | Kaunas

The Ninth Fort (Devintas Fortas) is one of the most significant and somber historical sites in Kaunas, Lithuania. Located about 7 kilometers from the city center, this fortification was part of the Kaunas Fortress, a defensive structure built by the Russian Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Ninth Fort, however, is most notable for its tragic history during World War II, particularly during the Holocaust.

Historical Background:

Construction: The Ninth Fort was built between 1902 and 1915 as part of a larger defensive network for the Kaunas Fortress. It was designed to protect the city from potential attacks by foreign armies. The fortress complex consists of several forts, with the Ninth Fort being one of the largest and most strategically important.

Military Purpose: Initially, the Ninth Fort was used for military defense and housed various artillery units. It was part of a series of forts that protected Kaunas, especially as the city was located near key routes and river crossings.

World War II and the Holocaust:

German Occupation: The Ninth Fort is most notorious for its role during the German occupation of Kaunas in World War II. After the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the fort became a site of mass executions. It is estimated that around 30,000 people, mostly Jews, were murdered at the Ninth Fort during the Holocaust.

Mass Executions: The Ninth Fort became a place of horrific atrocities. During the first days of the German occupation in 1941, thousands of Jews from Kaunas and the surrounding areas were brought to the fort and executed in mass shootings. The killings continued throughout the war, with the fort being used as a site for the execution of Jews, Soviet POWs, and members of the resistance.

The "Liquidation of the Ghetto": In 1943, the Nazis liquidated the Kaunas Ghetto, and many of the ghetto's residents were transported to the Ninth Fort for execution. The site became infamous for these brutal killings, and its role in the Holocaust has left a dark legacy in Lithuania's history.

Post-War Period: After the end of World War II, the Ninth Fort was abandoned and left in ruins. The Soviet authorities did not pay significant attention to the history of the fort during the period of Soviet rule in Lithuania, and the site remained largely neglected.

Memorial and Museum:

The Ninth Fort Museum: In 1984, the Ninth Fort was transformed into a museum and memorial to honor the victims of the Holocaust and the history of the fort. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of those who were executed there, as well as educating the public about the atrocities that occurred during the Nazi occupation.

Exhibitions: The museum includes permanent and temporary exhibitions that focus on the history of the fort, the Holocaust, and the broader context of World War II in Lithuania. Exhibits feature photographs, historical documents, and artifacts related to the Nazi occupation and the victims of the Holocaust.

The Memorial: At the Ninth Fort, there is a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. It includes several symbolic monuments and plaques commemorating the lives lost during the executions. One of the most prominent features of the memorial is a large monument to the victims, which includes a sculpture representing the suffering of those who perished at the site.

Mass Graves: The Ninth Fort also contains mass graves of victims. These graves, marked by simple memorials, are a solemn reminder of the large-scale executions that took place there. The site serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, drawing visitors who wish to honor the lives lost during the Holocaust.

The Museum’s Role in Education: The museum plays a crucial role in educating the public about the Holocaust, especially in Lithuania, where the Jewish community was deeply impacted during the war. It aims to preserve the memory of the victims and ensure that future generations understand the gravity of the events that took place at the Ninth Fort.

Visitor Experience:

Educational Tours: Visitors to the Ninth Fort Museum can participate in guided tours, which provide detailed information about the history of the fort, its role during the Nazi occupation, and the stories of the individuals who were executed there. The tours are educational and help visitors understand the broader historical context of the Holocaust in Lithuania.

Atmosphere: The Ninth Fort is an emotional and reflective place. Visitors often describe the experience as somber and moving, given the fort’s tragic history. The site is a place for contemplation, and many people come to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to learn about Lithuania’s role in this dark chapter of history.

Architecture and Grounds: The fort itself is still largely intact, with several of its original structures, such as the walls and towers, still standing. Visitors can explore the fort and its surroundings, including the various memorials and mass graves. The peaceful grounds contrast sharply with the horrific history of what took place there.

Conclusion:

The Ninth Fort in Kaunas is a powerful and somber reminder of Lithuania's painful past during the Holocaust and World War II. As a place of mass executions and suffering, it stands as a memorial to the thousands of people who perished there. Today, it serves as a museum and educational center, preserving the memory of the victims and ensuring that future generations never forget the atrocities committed during the Nazi occupation. The Ninth Fort is an important historical site that contributes to understanding Lithuania's tragic role in the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance and education in combating historical amnesia.