The Transylvania Saxons' history is rich with culture and interest. Transylvania is a province in Romania, encircled by the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps. In 1141 A.D. the King Geisa II of Hungary promised generous portions of land and special privileges to the German (Saxon) people of the Rhine and Mosel regions, if they would settle on his land. The Saxons who are a hard-working, determined and proud people, gathered their families and emigrated to Transylvania, to become farmers and landowners. They inhabited half of the province as many small villages were built up. In 1224, the King's grandson, King Andrew II granted the Saxons the "Goldener Freibrief" the right to establish their own church. This has been described as the "oldest democratic constitution in Europe". Each village then developed its own dialect of the Saxon language, traditions and costumes. The first Transylvanian Saxons immigrated to North America at the end of the 19th century and another wave came in the late 1920's. Near the Second World War many were forced to leave their homeland, their belongings and families behind and flee the intruding army. Many made their way to Germany and Austria. In the 1950s a large number eventually immigrated to Ontario.

Here is a link to the Article on Wikipedia about Transylvania Saxons

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transylvania_Saxons