History of textile industry Open House theme

HAAKSBERGEN – One hundred fifty years ago, the rise of the textile industry, had a huge impact on this eastern Dutch town located near the border with Germany. The chain of events since then, run much like a story line through the schedule of events of the recent Open House of Monuments in Haaksbergen. Among the highlights was the launch of a 14 kilometre bicycle route that focuses on the area's textile industry history. Along the way participants could stop in at estates built by textile barons and where experts told the story of the industry and of its players. The industry has largely disappeared from the area.