Les Ponts-de-Martel
Origin of the name Les Ponts-de-Martel
The name « Martel » appears in 1360. The bridges crossing the marsh and the path to Morteau are mentioned in 1376; the place name recalls them (to be cross-checked for the etymology of « Martel », which is not explained in the sources read).
Founding of Les Ponts-de-Martel
No founder or founding act is known. A Roman coin of Claudius II Gothicus was found in the area. The region, on the north side of the valley of La Sagne and Les Ponts, on the edge of the marshes, was cleared in the 15th century and the first inhabitants are mentioned in the 16th century. It was people from La Sagne living in the area who obtained the right to build a chapel in 1614. A parish was formed in 1652 and the parish community was made a municipality in 1786.
History of Les Ponts-de-Martel
1360. First mention of « Martel ».
1376. The bridges crossing the marsh and the path to Morteau are mentioned.
15th century. Clearance of the region.
16th century. Mention of the first inhabitants; in church matters the region depends on Pontareuse.
1614. People from La Sagne living in the area obtain the right to build a chapel.
1636. The chapel is moved.
1652. Formation of a parish; end of the church dependence on Pontareuse.
1786. The parish community is made a municipality.
1832-1848. Les Ponts-de-Martel are the seat of a civil jurisdiction.
1844. Rebuilding of the chapel.
19th century. The village grows with the establishment of watch factories.
1914-1918. During the First World War the marsh is worked for peat.
1922. Le Joratel leaves the municipality of Les Ponts-de-Martel to join Brot-Plamboz (1920 according to one HDS entry).
1939-1945. During the Second World War the marsh is again worked for peat.
2005. The primary sector provides 22 % of jobs, the secondary sector 18 %.
Population of Les Ponts-de-Martel
| 1793 | 695 |
| 1850 | 1'687 |
| 1870 | 2'189 |
| 1900 | 1'957 |
| 1950 | 1'508 |
| 2000 | 1'297 |
| 2025 | 1'234 (31 December) |
Historic sites in Les Ponts-de-Martel
Temple (former chapel). Chapel whose construction was authorised in 1614, moved in 1636 and rebuilt in 1844; it became the centre of the parish formed in 1652.
The Les Ponts marsh. Marsh on whose edge the village grew up; the bridges crossing it are mentioned in 1376 and its peat was worked during both World Wars.
Martel-Dernier and Petit-Martel. Hamlets of the municipality which, like the village, bear the name Martel.
Remains in Les Ponts-de-Martel
Roman coin. A Roman coin of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus was discovered in the municipal territory.
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Les Ponts-de-Martel »
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Brot-Plamboz »
- État de Neuchâtel, arrêté du 4 février 2026 homologuant le recensement cantonal de la population au 31 décembre 2025
- Commune de Brot-Plamboz, « Histoire »
Other villages near Les Ponts-de-Martel
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