Happy TravellerWelcome to Hoboken, a charming district located in the southern part of Antwerp, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. This hidden gem is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, but it boasts a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique culture that make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Hoboken and reveal why this enchanting district should be on your bucket list.
Hoboken’s name has its origins in Middle Dutch, derived from Hooghe Buechen or Hoge Beuken, meaning High or Tall Beeches. To this day, there is a hospital in Hoboken named Hoge Beuken. According to a local children’s story, the name Hoboken is derived from a little boy who accidentally dropped his sandwich in the Schelde river, which flows near Hoboken. In the local dialect of Dutch, a boke is a sandwich, and ho is a way of shouting stop, so he must have shouted Ho, boken!!!
The first historical records of Hoboken date back to the 1135 parish of capellam de hobuechen qua libam. At that time, Hoboken was part of Wilrijk, in the Duchy of Brabant. It has since then evolved from a small village to an industrialized district of Antwerp. From the 13th to the 15th century, the fiefdom of Hoboken was the property of the Lords of the lands of Rumst: Perwijs, Counts of Vianden, Count of Flanders, House of Luxembourg, and House of Orange-Nassau. In 1559, William of Orange sold the lands of Rumst and Hoboken to Melchior Schetz (the new Lord of Hoboken).
During the siege of Antwerp in 1585, Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, captured Antwerp after a long siege. Hoboken was partly flooded and was raided by enemy soldiers. As part of the terms of surrender of Antwerp, its Protestant citizens were given four years to settle their affairs before quitting the city. Most settlers went to the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (the unoccupied part of the Union of Utrecht) in the north, starting the Dutch Golden Age. Many of the early American settlers were refugees from Antwerp and the Southern Netherlands. The first settlers in New York were Belgians (Flemish Dutch and Walloons), they came to New York in 1623 and founded settlements at Wallabout, Long Island, Staten Island, Hoboken, and Pavonia.
A turning point in the history of Hoboken was the construction of the Cockerill shipyard in 1873. During World War I, Antwerp became the fallback point of the Belgian Army after the defeat at the Battle of Liège. The Siege of Antwerp lasted for 11 days, the city was taken by the German Army after heavy fighting, and the Belgians were forced to retreat westwards. Fort 8, one of the forts defending Antwerp located in the south of Hoboken, was of not much use during WWI, it was built in 1864 and was terribly outdated. Antwerp remained under German control until the Armistice of 11 November 1918. On 1 January 1983, Hoboken became a district of the city of Antwerp.
Hoboken boasts an annual 5K beer server race. The tradition started, according to legend, in 1777, with the proclamation of the United States of Belgium. The race is held annually on the first Sunday of November and is often amalgamated by the All Hallows Day celebration.
The main neighborhoods in Hoboken are: East of railway line 52 Hoboken-centre Hertog van Brabantwijk Vogeltjeswijk Zwaantjes West of railway line 52 Moretusburg Hertogvelden Polderstad.
In conclusion, Hoboken is a district that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its origins in Middle Dutch to its role in the Dutch Golden Age and its modern-day beer server race, Hoboken has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the district’s historical landmarks, enjoying its beautiful landscapes, or immersing yourself in its unique culture, Hoboken is a destination that should not be missed. So why not plan your trip today and discover all that Hoboken has to offer?
