Is it possible that the best-known meat brand in Poland started as a small settlement? Welcome to Sokołów. This place has a rich history dating back centuries. Today we will explore its story. We will uncover fascinating facts about Sokołów.
Sokołów Podlaski received its city rights in 1424. This was thanks to the Grand Duke of Lithuania Witold. The area’s settlement goes back even further. It started in the 6th century AD. Sokołów was a settler outpost. It saw feudal fights between Polish and Ruthenian states. Teutonic Knights, Yotvingians, and Lithuanians also fought here. This political history shaped its culture. It also influenced the progress of colonization.
Archaeological research shows settlements from the 6th and 7th centuries. Discoveries include ceramics, iron fittings, and buckles. Beads and staples were also found. These items tell us about the culture and customs. They reveal the rituals used to honor the dead. The research confirms a gradual colonization. This led to the establishment of Sokołów. It occurred in the Cetynia river valley.
In 1508, Stanisław Kiszka became the town’s owner. Administratively, Sokołów was part of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. It belonged to the Lesser Poland Province of the Polish Crown. King Stephen Báthory visited Sokołów in 1580. The Kiszka family owned Sokołów until 1592. Then, it passed to the Radziwiłł family. This period was the most prosperous in its history. It lasted until the Swedish invasion in the mid-17th century.
During the war with Sweden, the city was significantly damaged. In 1657, Rakoczy’s army burned down Sokołów. Surrounding farms were also destroyed. During the Reformation, Sokołów became a center of Arianism.
Jan Krasiński became the new owner in 1668. After the second half of the 18th century, the Ogiński family owned the town. Craftsmanship developed quickly under their rule. Michał Kleofas Ogiński brought French craftsmen. They produced silk scarves and hats. Rugs, linen, and Slutsk sashes were also made here.
After the Third Partition of Poland, Sokołów fell under Austrian rule. In 1809, it became part of the Polish Duchy of Warsaw. In 1815, it became part of Congress Poland. Later, Russia forcibly annexed it. In 1833, Karol Kobyloński bought the town. He sold it to Elżbieta Hirschman 10 years later. She established the “Elżbietów” sugar factory in 1845. It was located in Przeździatka. By 1890, the factory employed 600 workers. The sugar factory boosted the city and local agriculture.
During the January Insurrection, local priest Stanisław Brzóska led Polish resistance. He was arrested and sentenced to death. He was hanged in the town center on May 23, 1865. A granite monument marks the site of his execution.
In 1867, Sokołów became state property. The district office was established there. In 1887, the railway line made the city a communication link. Between 1845 and 1890, the town’s population doubled. Immigrants, mostly Jews, contributed to the town’s growth. They worked as artisans, craftsmen, and merchants. New factories opened beside the sugar factory. In 1915, during World War I, Germans entered the city. This ended Russian rule. Sokołów became part of Poland again in 1918. This occurred after the country declared independence.
During World War II, Sokołów suffered heavy losses. 30% of residential buildings were destroyed. 70% of official buildings were also ruined. The population decreased drastically. The German authorities created a ghetto in August 1941. It existed until September 1942. Many Jews were killed in the ghetto. Others were transported to Treblinka extermination camp. The city was liberated on August 8, 1944.
Between 1951 and 1974, industries developed significantly. In 1975, a meat processing company was established. Over time, Sokołów became a large company in the Polish meat industry. Today, Sokołów S.A. Group sets standards in meat processing. It uses the best raw materials. The company has modern production plants. It is ISO14001-certified. The Sokołów brand is well-known in Poland. The company employs thousands of people. It has become one of the largest meat producers in Central and Eastern Europe. Its main office is still located right here in Sokołów Podlaski.