Het Eiland in de Voorzaan

Abstract

The island in the Voorzaan river Development of the harbour area outside the dike in Zaandam This article analyses the development of the island in the Voorzaan river at different scales as part of the unique industrial landscape in the Zaan region. This island was created in the 17th century, when a spit of land on the east bank of the Zaan was turned into a harbour island in two phases (1636 and 1647). Timber yards, shipyards and sawmills settled there. In the second half of the 18th century, much of this disappeared due to economic decline. The island fell into decline and by 1850 it was largely deserted. In the 1930s, the Pont timber company moved to the island. It was built up with large sheds and unloading platforms. After Pont’s departure, redevelopment took place as a residential area and marina. Almost nothing reminds one of the island’s past as a port area.