The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Emden

EMDEN, Germany, town, in the province of Hanover, on the Ems, near where it discharges itself into the Dollart estuary. Emden has an excellent roadstead and its harbor is connected with this by a canal admitting large vessels. The Dortmund-Ems and other canals connect it with the interior. The town has a Dutch appearance due to its quaint architecture and the dykes which protect it from inundation. The town hall, dating from the 16th century, has a remarkable collection of ancient armor and is one of the finest public buildings in Germany. The town contains also a 12th century church, a museum, art gallery, barracks, a public library, trade and industrial schools, and a deaf and dumb institute. Emden has cable communication with Great Britain, America, and other countries. Its export trade includes grain, dairy produce, cattle, tallow, wool, hides, etc.; and it imports coal, timber, wine and colonial produce. A considerable number of vessels are built here annually; and the manufactures include leather, paper, dairying instruments, basketware, cement, wire ropes, bricks, soap and tobacco. There are also oil-mills, breweries and distilleries. Emden was founded in the 10th century or earlier and in 1433 was added to Hamburg. It became a free city in 1595, and a free port in 1751. In 1806 it was taken by Holland, but nine years later was added to Hanover, which in 1866 was itself made part of Prussia. Pop. 24,038.