Alblasserdam

Alblasserdam is located on one of the busiest navigated rivers in Western Europe, "The Noord". The history of Alblasserdam dates back over 700 years. The name is first mentioned in a chronicle by Melis Stoke from 1299, but it was founded in 1447. Before that time, it formed one whole with Oud-Alblas. The old center was severely affected on May 11, 1940. Fortunately, the historical Kerkstraat and the characteristic levee buildings along the river Noord have largely been preserved. Water has played a significant role in the history of Alblasserdam. The name is derived from the stream, the Alblas, where a dam was built. The river De Noord has been very important for the growth of Alblasserdam. Due to its location along this river, Alblasserdam was a favorable location for industry. The location by the water also brought disadvantages; in the years between 1350 and 1821, the Alblasserwaard was flooded 32 times. The flood disaster of 1953 also affected part of Alblasserdam. Nowadays, due to the reinforcement of the dike and improvements to the sluice, the water poses no direct danger anymore. (Source: Wikipedia)

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