Berlin CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

Situated in the Friedrichstadt vicinity, in the center of Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie is definitely a must-see attraction in Berlin as it is considered as one of the eventual symbol during the Cold War Period. It exemplifies the division between east and west. Not only did it represent the separation of Germany, but political chaos as well for about thirty years.  The sign, which reads, “You are now leaving the American Sector”, is regarded as a critical warning for those people who plan to do some undertakings outside the wall. The sign found at the checkpoint comes in four different languages which are Russian, French, German, and English. With its massive poignant and historical significance, people from around the world visit the place. Moreover, a lot of disputes and arguments occurred on the process of deciding as to what should remain and be preserved for the locals as well as the tourists to see in the upcoming years.

In 1961, the Berlin Wall was constructed by the East German government. After which, with President John F. Kennedy’s command, the U.S. forces created three checkpoints at various spots since it serves as an entrance for the allied forces as well as the diplomatic corps in the west side of Berlin. Among the three checkpoints, Checkpoint Charlie turned out to be the most prominent.

Checkpoint Charlie derived its name from the American alphabet. The two other checkpoints were called Alpha and Brava. In the year 1962, the checkpoint was the only venue where foreigners who visit Berlin could traverse from west to east and vice versa. Since then, Checkpoint Charlie became the famous border crossing during the Cold War period. In fact, during the Cold War era, movie producers and writers used Checkpoint Charlie as the subject of their stories. In the year 1990, Checkpoint Charlie was taken away when Germany was once again reunited. Nevertheless, its removal did not cause any complications for the reason that the Americans never built stable edifices at the place.

In its present status, some renovations were made. Checkpoint Charlie contains a row of bricks that outlines the trail where the Berlin Wall was once raised. Tourists will find a reproduction of the original border sign as well as the US Army Guardhouse of Checkpoint Charlie at the original place. The original white booth, which functions as the official gateway amid east and west can be seen in the Allierten Museum, located in Berlin Dahlem. The touching photograph done by an American and Soviet soldier name Frank Thiel and the previous border could be seen in the Museum as cobblestones mark the exact location. Tourists could also witness the memorabilia, which contains a nearby Café Adler, which is the usual meeting place for spies and journalist of long ago where the informants met their counterparts. Visitors could also look around through the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, which holds the best documentation that are accessible on the several attempted escapes from east to west. Additionally, the original Checkpoint sign exists in this place. In the year 1990, the museum was expanded and functions as a way of appealing for freedom to all people.