“Con rùa” or “Tortoise” is the original meaning of Cần Đước. This name echoes through centuries of Vietnamese history. Cần Đước stands as a testament to time’s relentless march.
Cần Đước is a rural district in Long An province. It resides in the Mekong River Delta region. The district’s history is rich and complex. It began as a small village between the Mương Ông Quỳnh and Rach Ben Ba distributaries.
In 1698, Cần Đước belonged to Phiên Trấn fort. By 1808, it was part of Phiên An town. 1832 marked a shift. Cần Đước became part of Phước Lộc county. It fell under Tân An prefecture in Gia Định Province. 1867 saw Cần Đước elevated to a county when Phước Lộc became a prefecture.
Cần Đước’s strategic location fueled its significance. It sits in the center of Gò Công, Cần Giuộc, and Saigon. This made it a major rice-growing area. More importantly, it became a stronghold. It was a stronghold for Trương Định’s guerrilla campaign. This campaign defied Emperor Tự Đức and resisted the French invasion.
The Treaty of Saigon ceded southern provinces to France. Trương Định refused to accept it. He continued guerrilla attacks. Many Cần Đước natives joined the guerrilla leadership. Among them was Thong binh duong Bui Quan Dieu. He commanded the famous battle of Cần Giuộc. Nguyễn Văn Tiến also hailed from Cần Đước. He led guerrilla groups before his capture and death. After Trương Định’s death in 1864, Nguyễn Trung Trực led another guerrilla campaign.
In the early 20th century, Cần Đước embraced nationalist movements. These included Thiên Địa Hội and the Nguyễn An Ninh society.
Post-First Indochina War, Cần Đước became part of Chợ Lớn Province in 1954. This was under the state of South Vietnam. 1956 brought further changes. Tân An and part of Chợ Lớn formed Long An Province. Cần Đước then became a county within Long An Province. The government divided Cần Đước into two districts. These were Cần Đước and Rạch Kiến.
The end of the Second Indochina War brought reunification. Cần Đước regained its original boundaries. It stands as it is today.
Today, Cần Đước is more than just a location. It is a symbol of resilience. It is a symbol of resistance. It is a reminder of Vietnam’s long and storied past. Its people played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s destiny. The name “Cần Đước” carries the weight of history. It embodies the spirit of a region. It is a region that has weathered countless storms.