 In 1819 Altbach was separated from the neighbouring Zell, today a district of Esslingen, and has existed as an independent community since then.In 1846 Altbach was connected to the railway network of the Württemberg Railway with its own railway station, thus creating the conditions for the industrialisation.In 1904 Altbach was connected to the electricity grid, followed one year later by the construction of a water pipeline.