Vaasa History, Finland

Synopsis of the history of Vaasa

The history of Vaasa city starts in the 14th century when the sea fearers disembarked at the current Old Vaasa and the wasteland owners of Finland came forward to guard their prized land.

Over the time, Vaasa has seen a change in its name numerous times due to the alternative spellings, language condition alterations and political decisions. At the very first, the city was popularly known as Mussor or Mustasaari, after the village’s name where it was established. Just a few years after, the name was then changed to Wasa in the honor of royal lineage of Sweden. The city was also famously called as this name between the period of 1606 to 1855, Nikolainkaupunki between the period 1855 to 1917 and Vasa or Vaasa beginning from the year 1917. The town is located at the very narrowest parts of the Gulf of Bothnia that is sheltered by a belt of skerries, the islands of Bjorko and Vallgrund and the Valsoarna archipelago.

The city was destroyed twice by the war between 1714 to 1800 and again due to the great fire in the year 1852. From then onwards, the city was reconstructed on the new coastline that has shifted west due to the increase in land level. The reconstruction was directed by the regional architect, Carl Axel Setterberg. At the new town, Pori, broad avenues were laid out in order to reduce the level of fire hazards.

In the year 1917, Vaasa turned into the temporary capital of Finland when socialist militia stooped the control of the Helsinki along with the Senate taking refuge in Vaasa after the announcement of Finnish independence. From this city, General Mannerheim directed the operations against Red Bridges and Russian forces that supported them. The city is at present an important exporting timber and importing raw materials port. The industries of the city consist of textile mills and flour, large bakeries, soap factories, machinery and sugar refinery. So, plan a trip to this fabulous city of Vaasa and discover its rich history and culture.