Editing Maasmechelen (section)

===19th and 20th century===
The aftermath of the [[French Revolution]] brought a series of dramatic changes that include the dismantlement of most religious organizations, the closing of churches, and the reorganization of the territory into new administrative entities.  During the 19th century, the area had still an unmistakable rural character.

On May 20, 1901, André Dumont found commercial-grade coal in neighbouring [[As (municipality)|As]].  This led to the exploitation of coal mines in [[Eisden]] from 1923 to 1987.  A [[Garden city movement|garden city]] and a new church dedicated to [[Saint Barbara]], also known as the mining cathedral, were built there.  The industrial development attracted workers from all over Europe, which accounts for the numerous international restaurants still found today in Eisden.