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History of Haarlemmermeer: ​​from peat lakes to reclamation

Haarlemmermeer has a special history. Before the reclamation of the polder, the Haarlemmermeer was an enormous expanse of water. According to data from the Noord-Hollands Archief about Haarlemmermeer, the lake was around 1700 hectares in size around the year 16.000. A century later this was at least 18.000 hectares! Read on to find out how Haarlemmermeer has grown from a expanse of water into a bustling municipality in the Randstad conurbation.
Drying

Haarlemmermeer in the past 

Haarlemmermeer originally consisted of peat lakes. Due to the high demand for peat from Leiden, Haarlem and Amsterdam, the residents around these lakes decided to peat their lands. These dredged peatlands then quickly filled with water. They thus became easy prey for the 'Water Wolf' – a nickname for the Haarlemmermeer. As a result, the Haarlemmermeer continued to expand. From 1834 to 1836 heavy storms raged over the Haarlemmermeer. This caused the water to rise so high that the polders in the surrounding area were flooded. This created the risk that the Braassemermeer, the Westeinderplassen near Aalsmeer, and the Legmeer would all be swallowed up by the Haarlemmermeer. So the 'Water Wolf' had to be tamed! 
 

The reclamation of Haarlemmermeer 

In 1839, a special law was devised for the reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer. Despite the protests of skippers, fishermen and many others such as the Rijnland Water Board, the law was passed. In 1840, construction of the 60 kilometer long ring canal and a ring dike began, which were completed in 1845. After this, the steam pumping stations could get to work pumping out the water. Steam pumping station Leeghwater aan de Kaag started this, at a special canal that drained into the sea near Katwijk. In 1848 and 1849, the Lijnden and Cruquius steam pumping stations were also put into use. In 1852 the lake was dry, but it was not until July 11, 1855 that the Haarlemmermeer officially became a municipality! 
 

Haarlemmermeer now   

After the special history of Haarlemmermeer, the polder became an independent municipality in 1855. Thanks to the connection of Hoofddorp to the railway network in 1912 and the construction of Schiphol airport, the municipality has grown enormously. Today, the municipality of Haarlemmermeer has no less than 140.000 inhabitants. The rural polder character has been partly exchanged for a more industrial appearance, partly due to Schiphol Airport. 

Yet there is still much of the original nature to discover in the beautiful nature reserves. The unique polder landscape still remains an important part of Haarlemmermeer's identity. Bustling villages, activity, special architecture, heritage and culture, but also nature reserves, agriculture, peace and space - you will find it all in the beautiful Haarlemmermeer! 

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