Onderdendam

53°20′N 6°35′E / 53.333°N 6.583°E / 53.333; 6.583CountryNetherlandsProvinceGroningenMunicipalityHet HogelandArea • Total6.00 km² (2.32 sq mi)Elevation0.2 m (0.7 ft)Population • Total575 • Density96/km² (250/sq mi)Postal codeDialing code050

Onderdendam is a village in Het Hogeland municipality in the province of Groningen, the Netherlands. It had a population of around 575 in 2021.^[1]

History

The village is first mentioned in 1252 as "et ulderna domme". Even though it seemingly translates to "below the dam", the etymology is unclear.^[3] Onderdendam developed in the 16th and 17th century at the intersection of land- and waterways. In 1653, the Boterdiep was built which further enhanced its position, and it became a village of warehouses and traders.^[4]

The Dutch Reformed church is a small domed church built in 1840 as a replacement of the church of Onderwierum [nl].^[4] The court house was built in 1804 as a wide white plastered building on the main street. Later it became an inn.

In 1811, Onderdendam became the capital of the municipality Bedum.^[4] Onderdendam was home to 498 people in 1840.^[5] Around 1900, Bedum started to outgrow Onderdendam.^[4]

Onderdendam was part of the municipality of Bedum until 2019 when it became part of the municipality of Het Hogeland.^[5]

Gallery

• 
  Dutch Reformed church
• 
  Canal view
• 
  Street view
• 
  Draw bridge and het Jagertje statue

References