Goethe used to work at the court of Carl August

Goethe became well-known overnight because of The Sorrows of Young Werther. He impressed Carl August so much that he was given a formal invitation to visit his court. Goethe didn't know when he moved to Weimar that it would be his final day.

He quickly ascended the corporate ladder to become the Duke's chief advisor because of his sharp wit and sense of humor. His marriage to his lifelong partner Christiane Vulpius took place in 1806 during Napoleon's conquest of Weimar. It's interesting to note that the great Emperor even showed up at Goethe's door.

Goethe created the intriguing layout of the Weimar Botanical Garden while working for the Duke. Goethe took part in court activities and was the Duke's friend and confidant in addition to his professional responsibilities. For Goethe, his first ten years in Weimar were a process of obtaining credentials and a breadth of experience that may not have been possible to obtain in any other way. Along with the Mines and Highways committees, Goethe joined the Grand Duchy of Saxe-War Weimar's Commission in 1779. When the Principality's chancellor resigned in 1782, Goethe agreed to fill in for him for a period of 2.5 years, effectively elevating him to the post of premier and top representative. He also contributed to the Ducal Palace's renovation. These are currently the two most significant landmarks in the city.