Onderdendam

The village is first mentioned in 1252 as "et ulderna domme". Even though it seemingly translates to "below the dam", the etymology is unclear.^[3] Onderdendam developed in the 16th and 17th century at the intersection of land- and waterways. In 1653, the Boterdiep was built which further enhanced its position, and it became a village of warehouses and traders.^[4]

The Dutch Reformed church is a small domed church built in 1840 as a replacement of the church of Onderwierum.^[4] The court house was built in 1804 as a wide white plastered building on the main street. Later it became an inn.

In 1811, Onderdendam became the capital of the municipality Bedum.^[4] Onderdendam was home to 498 people in 1840.^[5] Around 1900, Bedum started to outgrow Onderdendam.^[4]

Onderdendam was part of the municipality of Bedum until 2019 when it became part of the municipality of Het Hogeland.^[5]

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  Dutch Reformed church
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  Canal view
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  Street view
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  Draw bridge and het Jagertje statue