Bourtange
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bourtange | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates: 53°0′24″N 7°11′30″E / 53.00667°N 7.19167°ECoordinates: 53°0′24″N 7°11′30″E / 53.00667°N 7.19167°E | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | Groningen |
| Municipality | Vlagtwedde |
| Population (2007)[1] | 420 |
Bourtange (53°1′N 7°11′E / 53.017°N 7.183°E) is a star fort and village in the Westerwolde region of the Dutch province of Groningen. It is a part of the municipality of Vlagtwedde, and lies about 32 km northeast of Emmen.
The fortifications were initially built during the Eighty Years' War (c. 1568–1648) when William I of Orange wanted to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen which was controlled by the Spaniards. This road followed a sandy ridge (tange) through the marshes.
Later, around 1594, Bourtange became part of the fortifications on the border between the northern provinces (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe) and Germany.
Bourtange was a separate municipality until 1822, when it was merged with Vlagtwedde.[2]
In 1851 the star fort was given up and Bourtange became a normal village.
Around 1960 living conditions in the village deteriorated and it was decided that Bourtange would be rebuilt to its state of 1740-1750. Today it is an open air museum.
  |
| The town centre (dark green) and the statistical district (light green) of Bourtange in the municipality of Vlagtwedde. |
In 2001, the town of Bourtange had 267 inhabitants. The built-up area of the town was 0.21 km², and contained 133 residences.[3] The statistical area "Bourtange", which also can include the surrounding countryside, has a population of around 530.[4]
 Bourtange fortification, restored to 1750 situation |
 Bourtange fortification |
.jpg) Bourtange, Atlas van Loon 1649 |
 Plan of fortress bourtange 1742 |
 Windmill at Bourtange |
 Church at Bourtange |
[edit] References
- ^ CBS Statline
- ^ Ad van der Meer and Onno Boonstra, "Repertorium van Nederlandse gemeenten", KNAW, 2006.
- ^ Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Bevolkingskernen in Nederland 2001. (Statistics are for the continuous built-up area).
- ^ Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Statline: Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2003-2005. As of 1 January 2005.
