The heritage of ferrette
- The representative of the Archduke, the Count of Ferrette, pledges fidelity to the Bishop of Basel for the earldom which passes definitively into the possession of the Hapsburgs after the death of Jeanne in 1351.
The death of Ulrich III of Ferrette in Basel on March 11, 1324 marks a decisive turning point in the history of the Haute-Alsace. The heritage which he bequeaths to his two daughters encompasses the Sundgau, the south of Vosges, the gateway to Burgundy and the northern fringe of the Jura. Here are located the cities of Delle, Thann and Altkirch.Considering his advantage, Leopold I reacts quickly to the news of the death of Ulrich III. He sends his younger unmarried brother Albert to Jeanne of Montbéliard, the widow of Ulrich III, so that he can win the hand of Jeanne, the oldest daughter. Jeanne of Montbéliard obtains a stately sum for her youngest daughter Ursula for renouncing the throne. The negotiations are successful and on March 17 she affixes her seal in Thann to the agreement with Albert. Albert earns the nickname "The Wise" as a result of the marriage. For through it he obtains for the Hapsburgs dominion over the only compact political unit in Alsace. In addition, the children of Albert and Jeanne of Ferrette are the only ones who continue the Hapsburg lineage since none of his brothers have any descendants.
- Statues of Albert and Jeanne in Stephansdom in Vienna. Albert was one of the greatest political minds of the Hapsburg family. As a confirmed negotiator and paralyzed by arthritis, he preferred discussions to battle, even with the Swiss confederates.
