Vlissingen

Vlissingen (vlĭs`ĭng-ən) or Flushing (flŭsh`ĭng), city (1994 pop. 44,211), Zeeland prov., SW Netherlands, on the southern coast of the former island of Walcheren. Its manufactures include shipbuilding, chemicals, and gears. Dairying, cattle, sugar beets, vegetables, grain, and fishing are also important. The city has developed into a successful resort as well. Chartered in 1247, Vlissingen was one of the first Dutch towns to rebel (1572) against Spain. Because it dominates the approach (via the Western Scheldt) to Antwerp, Vlissingen has been the scene of several battles. During World War II the Allies captured (1944) the city from the Germans after bitter fighting.

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Vlissingen

Seaport city (pop., 2001 est.: 44,776), southwestern Netherlands. As a medieval trading town, its importance lay in its position controlling the approach to Antwerp. In 1572 it was the first Netherlands town to rebel against Spanish rule. It was turned into a naval base by Napoleon during the French occupation (1795–1814). The city was heavily damaged during World War II, when the area was flooded in 1944 by the Allies to clear the way to Antwerp. Since rebuilt, it is now a commercial port, fishing harbour, seaside resort, and naval base.