Battling for Amsterdam’s defense, that’s what the Batterij bij Aalsmeer was intended for. Here at the Batterij bij Aalsmeer, we find ourselves at a crucial point within the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This is part of a defense system designed to protect the city from attacks.
The Batterij bij Aalsmeer is located on the east side of Aalsmeerderweg. It sits within the Geniedijk, west of Fort bij Aalsmeer. Its primary purpose was to block the Aalsmeerderweg. Imagine the strategic importance of this location.
Originally, this was an open earth battery. Today, the bridges that once crossed the front and rear canals are gone. Over time, a shed was constructed here. It was later removed. This shed was known as ‘Pompstation Schiphol’ for the Defense Oil Center. It also was called ‘Brandstoffendepot pompstation Schiphol’.
The area around the Batterij bij Aalsmeer remains largely unchanged. Both the Geniedijk and its infrastructure are still here. However, there’s a water treatment plant within the line of fire. It is a stark reminder of modern times encroaching on historical landscapes.
The Batterij aan de Sloterweg supports nearby Fort bij Hoofddorp and Fort bij Aalsmeer. A section along the Geniedijk was used for ammunition storage until 1977. Eurometaal used it. Today, the fort remains in its original state.
Aalsmeer itself has a rich history. First mentioned in 1133 as “Alsmar”, it was granted to the Abbey of Rijnsburg. In 1199, Diederik VII van Kleef confirmed this. It was once a wilderness of alders and willow forests.
Large tracts of land were dug for peat. This created lakes and ponds. These included Oosteinderpoel, Schinkelpoel, and Westeinderplassen. With little land for agriculture, Aalsmeer’s inhabitants turned to fishery.
To combat the lack of dry land, some lakes were reclaimed. Stom Lake was reclaimed first in 1650. Then Horn Lake followed in 1674. The large Haarlem Lake became a polder in 1852. Peat digging stopped and fishing declined. Horticulture increased. Strawberry cultivation peaked between 1850 and 1885.
Flower cultivation began around 1880. Roses were first grown in greenhouses. Growers sold flowers to distributors. They brought them to market in Amsterdam by barge. Trade shifted to Aalsmeer. Auctions began in local cafes.
In 1912, two auction businesses were established. Centrale Aalsmeerse Veiling was in the town center. Bloemenlust was in Aalsmeer East. These auctions shaped Aalsmeer into the flower capital it is today.
The Batterij bij Aalsmeer stands as a testament to a time when defense was paramount. While it never saw battle, it remains a crucial part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. It reminds us of the strategic thinking that went into protecting this vital city. It shows how the landscape has changed over centuries.