Picture this a small village nestled on a peninsula. This is Cần Đước District long before it became the place you see today. The Mương Óng Quỳnh and Rạch Bến Ba distributaries cradled its humble beginnings. Cần Đước District was once a quiet corner of the world.
Cần Đước District’s history stretches back centuries. Its strategic location in the heart of Gò Công Cần Giuộc and Saigon made it important. It was a crucial rice-growing region. It played a significant role in the fight against the French.
In 1698 Cần Đước District was under the control of the Phiên Trấn fort. By 1808 it was part of the Phiên An town. In 1832 under Minh Mạng’s reign Cần Đước became part of Phước Lộc county. This county later became a phu in 1867. Then in 1871 it was absorbed into Chợ Lớn Province.
Cần Đước District was at the heart of Truong Định’s rebellion. Truong Định refused to accept the Treaty of Saigon. This treaty ceded southern Vietnam to France. Many local people joined the guerrilla fight. Bùi Quan Diệu a local commander led the famous battle of Cần Giuộc. Another local leader Nguyễn Văn Tiến led several guerrilla groups. He was later captured and killed. After Truong Định’s death in 1864 the area continued to fight against the French. Nguyễn Trung Trực led this next campaign.
Cần Đước District’s story continues into the 20th century. It played a key role in various nationalist movements. The Thiên Địa Hội and the Nguyễn An Ninh society were active here.
After the First Indochina War Cần Đước District was part of Chợ Lớn Province in South Vietnam. In 1956 Long An Province was created. Cần Đước became one of its districts. The district was briefly split into Cần Đước and Rạch Kiến. After the Vietnam War Cần Đước District returned to its original boundaries.
Today Cần Đước District is a thriving area known for its Nông Thơm Chợ Đào rice. Its past as a center of resistance against colonial powers is interwoven with its peaceful present-day life. This rich history lives on in its land and people. The legacy of its courageous leaders is not forgotten. We stand here today on the land that witnessed such dramatic events. The spirit of Cần Đước District echoes through the ages.