Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven is a city in the federal state of Bremen, Germany. It is located at the eastern bank of the Weser river mouth, opposite the town of Nordenham. Population: 120,900 (2003)

History

The town was founded in 1827, but there were settlements there as early as the 12th century. These tiny villages were built on small islands in the swampy estuary. There were early plans to found a fortified town at the place in order to protect the ships leaving or entering the Weser, and in 1672 Swedish colonists tried unsuccessfully to erect a castle (Carlsburg) there.

Related Topics:
1827 - 12th century - 1672

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Finally, in 1827 the city of Bremen bought the territories at the Weser mouth from the kingdom of Hanover. Bremerhaven was born and became a second harbour to Bremen, despite the distance of 50 km between the places. Due to the trade with and the emigration to North America the port and the town grew fast.

Related Topics:
Bremen - Hanover

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The kingdom of Hanover founded a rival town directly beside Bremerhaven and called it Geestemünde (1845). Both towns grew and established the three pillars of trade, shipbuilding and fishing. In 1927 Geestemünde and some neighbouring municipalities were united to become the new city of Wesermünde, and in 1939 Wesermünde and Bremerhaven were merged. The town and the port were destroyed in World War II; in 1947 it became a part of the state of Bremen. Today Bremerhaven is therefore, confusingly, part of the state of Bremen but is a city in its own right, distinct from the city of Bremen. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the port of Bremerhaven is not part of the city Bremerhaven but under the direct jurisdiction of the city of Bremen.

Related Topics:
1845 - 1927 - 1939 - World War II - 1947 - State - Bremen

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