History of Haarlemmermeer: from peat lakes to reclamation
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 paint their lands. These dredged peatlands then quickly filled with water. This made them easy prey for the 'Waterwolf' – 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 wider area were flooded. This created the chance that the Braassemermeer, the Westeinderplassen near Aalsmeer, and the Legmeer would all be swallowed up by the Haarlemmermeer. So the 'Waterwolf' 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, the construction of the 60-kilometer 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 with this, at a special canal that drained into the sea at Katwijk. In 1848 and 1849 the steam pumping stations Lijnden and Cruquius were also taken into use. In 1852 the lake was dry, but it took until July 11, 1855 before the Haarlemmermeer officially became a municipality!
From then to now
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!
