was introduced into the town by the Tauchmann family. Textile production dominated the town's economy from the late 18th century until the 1930s and determined the industrial and craft development of Vrchlabí. In 1867, winter sports started to develop in the region. The main promoter of skiing was Guido Rotter, a local factory owner. The town was part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, which itself fell to the Habsburg monarchy in the 16th century, and from 1867 to 1918 was included in the Austrian part of Austria-Hungary (after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867). Administratively it was part of the head of the Hohenelbe District, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia. In 1918, Vrchlabí became part Czechoslovakia, when the Czechs regained independence. From 1938 to 1945 it was occupied by Germany, and was then administered as part of the Reichsgau Sudetenland. During the occupation, the Germans established and operated a Gestapo prison in the town, and a subcamp of the Gross-Rosen concentration camp for female prisoners in the Hořejší Vrchlabí town part. Nazi Germany also brought many Italian, French, English and Russian prisoners of war to work as forced laborers in the town. The town's Germans who had not fled in World War II were expelled according to the Potsdam Agreement and Beneš decrees. The town was restored to Czechoslovakia. Demographics Economy Since the 16th century, Vrchlabí is an industrial town. Nowadays, it is known especially for machinery industry. In Vrchlabí there is one of three factories of Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic. The local branch employs about 1,000 people. From 1946 to 2012, it produced cars, and since 2015, it produces components for cars. The largest employer with its headquarters in the town is ARGO-HYTOS, producer of components and systems for the hydraulic industry. Vrchlabí is also known as centre of tourism and winter sports, which significantly contribute to the town's economy. Culture The beer festival Krkonošské pivní slavnosti ("Giant Mountains Beer Festival") has been held in the town every year since 1998. The Střelnice house is the centre of culture. It is a place where all concerts, plays or balls are performed. Sport Krakonošova stovka is a 100 km-long march that has been held annually since 1966. The local ice hockey club, HC Vrchlabí, plays in the 2nd Czech Republic Hockey League since 2022–23 season. Vrchlabí Mad Squirrels, local rugby club, play in the Euro XIII. There