Fredericia Town and Fortress

In the 1760's Fredericia became the centre of Danish tobacco growing - thanks to the French Reformers, who brought the tobacco to Fredericia. As it turned out, the Reformers - or Hugenots - that arrived in 1719/1720 at the invitation of the King became an important contribution to the farming community in Fredericia.

In the 1860's Fredericia became a railroad junction. From Fredericia, the trains departed to Kolding and Vamdrup in the south, Vejle and Aarhus in the north and on the other side of the Belt, passengers arrived from Nyborg and Odense to take the ferries from Strib.

Fredericia was founded in the year 1650 but was off to a difficult start. In 1674, King Christian the 5th issued a number of grants to the new town of Fredericia. Fredericia was appointed a religious free town in order to woo new inhabitants. Three religious groups in particular each left their special mark on the townscape of Fredericia. One of these groups were the French Reformed or the Huguenots.

Fredericia was appointed a religious free town in order to woo new inhabitants. It was difficult for the new town to attract inhabitants and the freedom of religion was therefore introduced. Three religious groups in particular left each their special mark on the townscape of Fredericia. One of these groups were the Jews.

In 1674, King Christian the 5th granted the new town of Fredericia a number or charters. The charters granted financial rights and freedom of religion, which was unique in Denmark in the 17th century. Fredericia enjoyed this special status in the Danish kingdom up to the introduction of the Danish Constitution in 1849,

A walk through the cemetery of the Church of Saint Michaelis is a walk through Fredericias history. For many years, this church was used mainly by the German-speaking population of the young town and was referred to as the "German Church".

The history of the Church of Trinitatis is closely linked to the history of the town of Fredericia. During the Three-Year-War in 1848-50, the church was used as a field hospital and accommodation for the prisoners from Slesvig-Holstein. At the cemetery, two large warrior graves bear witness of Fredericia’s dramatic history.

Ever since 1850 - the year after the bloody battle against Slesvig/Holsten and Prussia - people of Fredericia have celebrated the date of the battle on 6 July. This is not just a date for the locals but a concept.

6th of july 1849 is the most important date in the dramatic history of Fredericia. Hear about the bloody battle between the danish army and rebels from Slesvig-Holsten with help form Prussia and the German confederation.

How do you actually build a fortress and ramparts? In the 17th century that is! Hear about the construction of Fredericia fortress and the design of the ramparts in this 3rd episode of "Fredericia Town and Fortress".