Editing Alblasserdam (section)

==History==

=== 13th-19th century ===
The town of Alblasserdam was first mentioned in the chronicles of Melis Stoke in 1299, but the municipality wasn't formed until 1447. Before that, it was part of [[Oud-Alblas]].

Because of its location on the [[Noord (river)|Noord]] river, one of the busiest waterways in Western Europe, water has played a major role in Alblasserdam's history. The river was important for its development and makes it an advantageous location for industry. Alblasserdam's strategic location also brought it negative consequences. For example, between 1350 and 1821, the [[Alblasserwaard]] [[polder]] flooded 32 times.

===20th century===
During [[World War I]], mayor [[Simon Berman]]<ref name=geinstalleerd/> and the local government of Alblasserdam kept busy with 60 [[Belgian people|Belgian]] refugees within the municipal boundaries.<ref name=opstellen/> An ad hoc municipal fund for the unemployed was established.<ref name=opstellen/>

Alblasserdam suffered during the [[Rotterdam Blitz|German raid on Rotterdam]] on 11 May 1940, when its town centre was severely damaged. The historic Kerkstraat (Church Street) and the characteristic dike construction along the river, however, were spared. 
The invaders placed [[Netherlands in World War II|the Netherlands under German occupation]].

The [[North Sea flood of 1953]] also affected a portion of Alblasserdam. The [[Delta Works]] program included reinforcements to the dikes and improvement of the locks. Therefore, water no longer poses a direct danger to Alblasserdam. 
In 1987, the custom yacht builder [[Oceanco]] started building yachts in the 80 metre+ range.

In 1999 the town celebrated its 700th anniversary.

===21st century===
Bert Blase served as mayor from 1999 to 2014, when he was appointed as mayor of [[Vlaardingen]]. Subsequently, the mayor of [[Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht]], Jan Heijkoop, also acted as mayor Alblasserdam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alblasserdam.nl/bestuur-en-organisatie/college-van-b-w|title=College van burgemeester en wethouders - Bestuur en Organisatie Alblasserdam}}</ref> On March 30, 2023 Jan Willem Boersma was installed as mayor of Alblasserdam, succeeding Jaap Paans, who had been the mayor of Alblasserdam since July 1, 2015.