The Munich district of Obermenzing is rightly proud of its long history: it was first mentioned in a donation document from Freising in the year 817—over three centuries earlier than the city of Munich. The residents of Obermenzing still draw their self-confidence from their long-standing association with Blutenburg Castle. Over the centuries, Obermenzing has maintained a rural character. Thanks to the architect August Exter and his vision of a garden city, around 1900, the affluent middle class and renowned artists settled in the newly established villa colonies. After the forced incorporation in 1938, Obermenzing developed into an upscale district of Munich, which was united with Pasing in 1992 to form the 21st district, Pasing-Obermenzing. Historian Susanne Herleth-Krentz traces the development of Obermenzing from its beginnings.