Prehistory

Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around Essen has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Finds from four different sites indicate that around 8,500 years ago, nomadic tribes roamed the region, making tools like flint arrowheads. However, the limited number of sites makes it difficult to draw broader conclusions.

Abbey of Tongerlo

In 1159, Berner van Rijsbergen granted Essen as an allodium to Tongerlo Abbey. The abbey shared lordship rights with the Dukes of Brabant. Essen, along with Kalmthout and Huijbergen, formed one seigniory under the abbey's rule until the French Revolution.

Lootings

Essen didn't escape the chaos of the 16th century; it was sacked twice—first by Maarten van Rossum's troops in 1542 and then by Marshal Armand de Gontaut-Biron's forces in 1583.

Border community and coat of arms

After gaining independence in 1795, Essen adopted the coat of arms of Prelate Hermans, the last abbot of Tongerlo. The symbols on the coat of arms—two ox heads and a lamb—reflect both the town's agricultural heritage and its virtues of steadfastness and patience. In 1802, Essen became an independent parish, having previously been part of the parish of Nispen.

Economy

In an agreement signed on 9 July 1852, Belgium and the Netherlands paved the way for a new railroad connecting Antwerp and Rotterdam. Constructed between 1852 and 1854, the Antwerp-Lage Zwaluwe rail line included a key border station in Essen. Interestingly, the line bypassed the city of Breda, a decision influenced by one of the founding members of the Société Anonyme des chemins de fer d'Anvers à Rotterdam, who owned land in Essen. This new transit route attracted affluent residents from Antwerp seeking tranquility, while also facilitating easier access to educational and employment opportunities in Antwerp for the local populace.

Essen Railway Station has historically been the final Belgian stop before the Dutch border, serving as a significant border checkpoint between the two countries. The station's multiple adjustment tracks are vestiges of its role in border control. The introduction of the railway accelerated Essen's development, creating numerous job opportunities and establishing the station as a mandatory stop for international trains. In the contemporary setting, the station offers an Intercity (IC) connection to Antwerp and Brussels-Midi, along with a local train service to Roosendaal.

Further adding to its historical significance, the border station has housed quarantine stables since 1896. These were primarily used to isolate cattle and assess them for contagious diseases, a practice that continued until the 1970s. Recognizing their historical value, the Quarantine Stables received legal protection as a monument in 1994.

WW I

During the First World War, Essen found itself isolated from the outside world. German forces, opting not to encircle the town's geographically protruding "hump" with barbed wire, instead installed what came to be known as the "Wire of Death." This deadly barrier is commemorated in numerous artworks displayed in both Essen and neighboring Kalmthout. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, maintaining its neutrality, erected similar barriers on the remaining border stretches. Despite this isolation, smuggling activities thrived in the area.

WW II

The end of the Second World War saw German forces leaving a swath of destruction in their wake. Notably, several churches and their towers, such as O.-L.-V. Geboortekerk in Essen-Centre, Sint-Jan-Baptistkerk in Wildert, and Sint-Vincentius-à-Paulokerk in Horendonk, were demolished. These had been considered strategic vantage points. Only a few places of worship, including the Eucharistic Heart Church at College, St. Anthony of Padua Church at Essen-Statie, and St. Peter's Church at Hoek, were spared. Moreover, the town suffered from misplaced V1 and V2 rocket attacks, originally aimed at the port of Antwerp.

Post-war history

In 1959, a new customs office rose on Nieuwstraat, the very site where the O.-L.-V. Geboortekerk (Church of the Nativity) once stood before its destruction in World War II. Essen claimed the title of second-busiest road office on the Belgian-Dutch border, right behind Wuustwezel, until it shuttered on 1 January 1993.

Since 1976, Essen has maintained civic ties with Essen in Oldenburg, Germany.

The landscape of local governance saw a shake-up in 1977. Municipal borders and territories were rationalized, culminating in the formation of Essen-Hoek. Although Hoek had been around for centuries, it was fragmented into Kalmthoutsehoek and Essen-Hoek (also known as Moerkant). Given that the parish of Hoek had already existed for 150 years, this administrative unification served more as a formality than a revolution.

Towns / Districts

Essen is devoid of formal boroughs but is rich in neighborhoods and hamlets. The village center, known as "Essen-Centre," serves as the heart of the municipality. Adjacent to the west lies the district of Heikant, followed by the rural residential ribbon of Essen-Hoek. Horendonk sits to the east of the center, while Wildert nestles to the south. Statie district resides west of the center.

The 1977 municipal redistribution granted Essen a portion of Kalmthoutse Hoek, which was then integrated into Essen-Hoek.

Neighbourhoods

Essen is subdivided into two major districts: Essen-Centre and Essen-Statie. These districts are further divided into a tapestry of neighborhoods, including De Heuvel, De Donk, Spijker, Zandstraat, Werf, Bredestraat, Schanker, Schriek, Steenpaal, Vennen, Schildershof, Hemelrijk, Statievelden, and Hondsberg.

Neighbouring municipalities

North: Roosendaal (NL), Ruchphen (NL)

East: Zundert (NL)

South: Kalmthout (BE)

West: Woensdrecht (NL)

Museums

• the Karrenmuseum on Moerkantsebaan
• The Gerard Meeusen museum in the attic of the town hall at Heuvelplein
• The steam museum in the Bakkersmolen in the Sint-Jansstraat
• Robotland, technological do-center next to the station
• 't Kniphof, paper cutting art in Essen-Horendonk^[4]

Hydrography

• Molenbeek
• Biezebeek
• Papenmoerbeek
• Old Moervaart
• Spillebeek
• Kleine Aa or Wildertse Beek near Wildert.
• Roosendaalse Vaart

Natural Areas

• The Forest Museum Wildert Dunes
• The Horendonk Woods or Essen Dunes
• The Redemptorist Fathers' Park or the Father's Garden

Demografische ontwikkeling

• Sources: NIS, Note:1806 through 1981=population censuses; 1990 and later=population on January 1

As of October 2017, Essen has more than 19,000 residents. Almost one in five Essen citizens has Dutch nationality.

Structure

The municipality of Essen is part of the electoral district of Brecht, located in the provincial district of Kapellen, the electoral district of Antwerp and finally the electoral district of Antwerp.

City Council

History

Music

• Kommil Foo

Events

• Carnival (the largest parade in the Noorderkempen)
• Hoekse Kermis, first weekend in July, with the traditional folk games on Monday.
• Pumpkin Festival with Pumpkin Procession (first Sunday in October)
• Wildert Fun Fair (October)
• Owl Fair (4 days in September, concluded with games)
• Craft Day (last Sunday of August)
• Christmas beer festival with international appeal (mid-December)
• Each youth movement in Essen also has its own annual event.

Road traffic

Four N-roads run through Essen: the N125, the N117, the N122 and the N133.

Public transport

The municipality of Essen has two railway stations. There is the border station on line 12 Antwerp - Roosendaal and is served by the L-train Roosendaal - Antwerp-Central and on weekdays also by the IC-train Essen - Brussels-South - Charleroi-South. The village of Wildert also has its own rail station.

From Essen there is a bus line of De Lijn with number 670 to Kapellen and a bus line with number 674 to Stabroek via Wildert.

Events

• The Ronde van Essen, a running race (last full week of August, every day in a different Essen district)
• IKO cyclocross, a ride for the DVV insurance trophy organized at the Hemelrijk