La Chaux-du-Milieu
Origin of the name La Chaux-du-Milieu
First written mention in 1310, in the form « calvum de Escoblon », then « Chaux de Cachot » and « Chaux Baussan ». The sources consulted do not explain the origin of the present name (to be cross-checked).
Founding of La Chaux-du-Milieu
In 1310 the count of Neuchâtel granted land at La Chaux-du-Milieu as a fief to inhabitants of Morteau, in Franche-Comté. From the early 16th century, inhabitants of Le Locle settled this part of the valley of La Brévine; they remained attached to the parish of Le Locle until 1716, the year the parish of La Chaux-du-Milieu was founded and the church built. The locality belonged to the jurisdictions of Travers and Rochefort until 1821, then to that of La Brévine until 1848, and finally to the district of Le Locle. The municipality was founded in 1825.
History of La Chaux-du-Milieu
1310. The count of Neuchâtel grants land at La Chaux-du-Milieu as a fief to inhabitants of Morteau; first mention, in the form « calvum de Escoblon ».
early 16th century. Inhabitants of Le Locle settle the area; they belong to the parish of Le Locle.
1530-1531. Construction of the wooden double farmhouse of Grand-Cachot-de-Vent.
early 17th century. The wooden façades of the Grand-Cachot-de-Vent farmhouse are replaced by masonry.
1716. Foundation of the parish of La Chaux-du-Milieu and construction of the church.
1821. End of its belonging to the jurisdictions of Travers and Rochefort; La Chaux-du-Milieu passes to the jurisdiction of La Brévine.
1825. Foundation of the municipality.
1848. End of the jurisdiction of La Brévine; La Chaux-du-Milieu now belongs to the district of Le Locle.
1860. The population reaches its highest known level, with 954 inhabitants.
early 20th century. Two watch factories employ the farmers who previously worked at home (lace, watchmaking).
around 1960. The Grand-Cachot-de-Vent farmhouse is abandoned, before being saved and turned into a museum and gallery.
2000. The population remains essentially agricultural, with about half of the jobs.
Population of La Chaux-du-Milieu
| 1850 | 805 |
| 1860 | 954 |
| 1900 | 893 |
| 1910 | 661 |
| 1950 | 462 |
| 1970 | 336 |
| 1990 | 422 |
| 2000 | 398 |
| 2025 | 494 (31 December) |
Historic sites in La Chaux-du-Milieu
Grand-Cachot-de-Vent farmhouse. Wooden double farmhouse built in 1530-1531 for two families and two farms, typical of the architecture of the high Jura with its front gable and post-supported roof frame. Its façades were rebuilt in masonry in the early 17th century and the living quarters enlarged in the 18th century. Abandoned around 1960, it was saved as a witness to this type of architecture and houses a museum and a gallery. It is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance.
Church of La Chaux-du-Milieu. Church built in 1716, when the parish was founded, ending the inhabitants' attachment to the parish of Le Locle.
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Chaux-du-Milieu, La »
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Brévine, La »
- État de Neuchâtel, arrêté du 4 février 2026 homologuant le recensement cantonal de la population au 31 décembre 2025
- Société d'histoire de l'art en Suisse, Guide artistique de la Suisse, notice « Ferme du Grand-Cachot-de-Vent » (Inventaire PBC 3983)
Localities of the municipality with a page
Other villages near La Chaux-du-Milieu
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