Seinajoki History, Finland

Seinajoki, found in Southern Ostrobothnja province, is considered as one of the fastest developing city centers in Finland. The city is a flourishing commercial and cultural center. With a present population of around 56,000 and a very constructive approach to entrepreneurship, Seinajoki poses a great friendly environment and comfortable living to residents and visitors alike. All these may be tracked from events in Seinajoki History.

Seinajoki History – Establishment of the Town

The very first time the village of Seinajoki was mentioned was in the mid-1500s. During the 17th and 18th centuries there were houses in the town noted down in the cadastral register. However, during that time, Seinajoki was still a part of the clerical Parish of Ilmajoki.

It was only in 1868 that the Municipality of Seinajoki was formally established. Decades after, in 1921, the district surrounding the railway station was converted into a community with limited sovereignty.

According to data gathered from historical accounts, Seinajoki’s development was divided into three stages. The first stage occurred in 1798 during the establishment of the Foundry of Ostymera. This is where the industry and agriculture revolved. In the late 19th century, the second strong surge of development happened. This was the time when railroads were constructed and businesses boomed along with the foundations of institutions.

Seinajoki History – 20th Century

Until 1931, Seinajoki was one single town. It was partitioned into a metropolitan district, which was expanded along the station, and a rural municipality. Following the Second World War, people from all over the municipality had the urge to move to the metropolitan district of Seinajoki. Developments were made and communications were expanded - as well as the economy - to meet the demands of the growing population of the municipality.

In 1959, the metropolitan and rural districts were merged once more. The result of this unification is the Urban District of Seinajoki. In 1960, the third stage of Seinajoki’s development took place when it was granted its town charter. Following that, the population of the town increased significantly, and services provided by the city were broadened.

Seinajoki History – 21st Century

In the month of June in 2001, councils of both Seinajoki City and Peraseinajoki Municipality proposed to unify the two districts into one and renaming it as the City of Seinajoki. On January 01, 2005, the Council of State has approved the proposal and villages such as Ojajarvi, Honkakyla and Lehtimaki were merged to the city. Territorial expansions continued until January 01, 2009 when Ylistaro and Nurmo were annexed to Seinajoki.

At present, the city of Seinajoki is considered to have a very sturdy regional center. Its focus on education and the expansion of knowledge unlocks new opportunities for both individual citizen and corporations.

Although Seinajoki History is not as old as other histories in the world, the events are worth taking note of. Finland has other interesting occasions in world history as manifested in Jyvaskyla History and Tampere History.