Germany. In 1946 the province assumed the rank of statehood as State (Land) of Schleswig-Holstein and joined the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. In 1890, Imperial Chancellor Otto von Bismarck was awarded the honorific title of Duke of Lauenburg including estates in the Sachsenwald in the former duchy, but he was never sovereign ruler of the territory, which had been incorporated into Prussia in 1876. He moved to these estates in Friedrichsruh and lived there until his death. External links Historical map of Schleswig Holstein in 1730 Historical map of Lower Saxony in 1789 Historical atlas of Saxe-Lauenburg Notes 1290s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire 1296 establishments in Europe 1876 disestablishments in Germany States and territories established in 1296 States of the German Confederation States of the German Empire Saxe-Lauenburg Saxe-Lauenburg Saxe-Lauenburg Purchased territories States of the North German Confederation Former duchies