Spaarndam in Spaarndam Gem. Haarlem in Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Spaarndam
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 31, 2026
1. Spaarndam Marker
In deze dam werden spui- en schutsluizen aangelegd. Dat bracht allerlei bedrijvigheid en er vestigden zich ook veel vissers. Zo ontstond het dorp Spaarndam. Het bestuur was in handen van Schout en Schepenen, maar het Hoogheemraadschap Rijnland en de stad Haarlem hadden grote invloed op de gang van zaken. In de 16de eeuw had het dorp het zwaar te verduren door overstromingen, plunderende soldaten uit Gelre en door de strijd tussen de Spaanse troepen en de Geuzen tijdens de belegering van Haarlem. Na de reformatie werd het dorp grotendeels protestant. Na de aanleg in 1865-1876 van het Noordzeekanaal en de inpoldering van het IJ verdween het overstromingsgevaar en konden er ook aan de noordzijde van de dijk huizen worden gebouwd. Tussen circa 1880 en 1900 werd de linie van Spaarndam aangelegd als onderdeel van de Stelling van Amsterdam.
In de twintigste eeuw ging de scheepsbouw een belangrijke rol spelen, evenals de palingrokerijen. Na de annexatie van de gemeente Spaarndam door Haarlem in 1927 werd de bestaande gemeentegrens met Spaarnwoude, die eeuwenlang precies in het midden van de Spaarne-monding had gelegen, in oostelijke richting verschoven naar de Grote Sluis. Het dorp breidde zich, vooral na 1980, steeds meer uit. In 1967 werd de eerste dorpsraad gekozen. Sinds 1971 staat Spaarndam officieel Ingeschreven als Beschermd Dorpsgezicht.
In 1285, Count Floris V ordered the Spaarne river to be dammed again, after an earlier dam dating from 1220 or 1250 had been washed away.
Sluices and navigation locks were constructed in this dam. This generated considerable activity and attracted many fishermen, leading to the founding of the village of Spaarndam. Administration was in the hands of a schout (bailiff) and schepenen (aldermen), though the Rijnland Water Board and the city of Haarlem exerted significant influence on affairs. In the 16th century, the village suffered greatly from floods, marauding soldiers from Guelders, and the conflict between Spanish troops and the Geuzen (Sea Beggars) during the Siege of Haarlem. Following the Reformation, the village became predominantly Protestant. The construction of the North Sea Canal (18651876) and the reclamation of the IJ eliminated the risk of flooding, allowing houses to be built on the north side of the dike as well. Between approximately 1880 and 1900, the Spaarndam Line was constructed as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
In the twentieth century, shipbuilding came to play a significant role, as did the eel-smoking industry. Following the annexation of the municipality of Spaarndam by Haarlem in 1927, the existing municipal boundary with Spaarnwoudewhich for centuries had run exactly down the middle of the Spaarne estuarywas shifted eastward to the Grote Sluis (Great Lock). The village expanded steadily, particularly after 1980. The first village council was elected in 1967. Since 1971, Spaarndam has been officially designated as a protected villagescape.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1285.
Location. 52° 24.81′ N, 4° 40.657′ E. Marker is in Spaarndam Gem. Haarlem, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Haarlem. It is in Spaarndam. It is on Westkolk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Westkolk 56, Spaarndam Gem Haarlem, Noord-Holland 2063 JP, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Woerdersluis / Woerder Sluice (within shouting distance of this marker); Hulpsecretarie / Municipal Branch Office (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Het haarlemse huis / The Haarlem House (about 120 meters away);
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 31, 2026
2. Spaarndam and Marker
Spaarndam is a village in the province of North Holland, the Netherlands, on the Spaarne river and the IJ lake. The oldest part of the village, on the western side of the Spaarne, belongs to the municipality of Haarlem; the newer part on the eastern side is a part of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. The village is built around a dam in the river, which is also the division line of the two municipalities. - Wikipedia
Also see . . . Spaarndam (Wikipedia). (Submitted on June 12, 2026.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
