Traunstein was a typical founding town of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
A Brief History of the Jacklturm
"Perhaps the only town in Germany without a decorative gate or a tower," lamented local historian Max Fürst around 1900. After the devastating fire of April 25, 1851, which destroyed the entire upper town, the citizens had other concerns than rebuilding the tower. The burnt-out ruins were demolished in 1851.
As part of the late medieval fortifications, a ring wall with gates and towers, the Jacklturm has had a turbulent history. In 1547, it was severely damaged by lightning; makeshift repairs were followed by demolition and rebuilding in 1548. The first reliable view of the town, the ceiling painting by Hans Thonauer in the Antiquarium of the Munich Residence, shows it around 1590 as a defensive tower with an open guard walkway.
In 1553, the tower received tiled stoves, doors, and windows. From then on, a watchman lived on the upper floors. He was responsible for keeping an eye out for fires. A fire bell was added in 1623 to raise the alarm. The night watchmen then sounded the fire alarm. The watchman was also responsible for blowing the trumpet from the tower morning, midday, and evening. It wasn't until 1787 that the name "Jacklturm" first appeared in a register of municipal buildings. Despite all attempts at interpretation, the origin of this name remains obscure to this day.