Foxhol: Waterways, History and Local Heritage

Foxhol is shaped by its history on the water and its industrial past. The Foxholstermeer lies in the surroundings of Foxhol, in the municipality of Midden-Groningen, and is part of the Zuidlaardermeer area. The former, disconnected canal sections of the Oude Winschoterdiep preserve the old canal profile between Foxhol and Martenshoek; the Foxhol Monument is located at the corner of Pluvierstraat and Meeuwenstraat. Foxhol was first mentioned in 1460 under the historic name “Vossehol”; in 1842, W.A. Scholten built his first potato starch factory in Foxhol.

Foxhol and the Foxholstermeer

The Foxholstermeer lies in the surroundings of Foxhol, in the municipality of Midden-Groningen, and is part of the Zuidlaardermeer area. People go boating, fishing and walking at the lake. American wind engines, including De Putter and Koetse Tibbe, stand nearby. The Rondje Zuidlaarmeer cycling route passes these wind engines.

Another cycling tour has a different focus: the Westerbroek cycling route runs through Foxhol, but its route may change. By contrast, the Rondje Zuidlaarmeer cycling route passes the De Putter and Koetse Tibbe wind engines near the Foxholstermeer. Check the current route of the Westerbroek cycling route before setting out.

From a village of boatmen to an industrial past

Foxhol was first mentioned in 1460 under the historic name “Vossehol.” From a settlement at the end of the Middle Ages, it developed into a village of boatmen over the following centuries. A village of boatmen is a village whose history was shaped by water transport.

The section of the Winschoterdiep from Foxhol to Zuidbroek was completed in 1628 and was connected to the Hunze at Waterhuizen to the west. Between Foxhol and Martenshoek, the former, disconnected canal sections of the Oude Winschoterdiep preserve the old canal profile.

The industrial history is also closely tied to a specific water source. W.A. Scholten chose Foxhol in 1842 because of the clean water of the Foxholstermeer. That same year, he built his first potato starch factory there. Brinta was produced in Foxhol until 2005.

Local landmarks

The Foxhol Monument is located at the corner of Pluvierstraat and Meeuwenstraat. The Petruskerk (1995) is a church of the Moluccan community in Foxhol and adds a religious and community perspective to the local history. In 1881, the year the building was erected, the founding meeting of the Unie van Baptistengemeenten in Nederland took place at Rehoboth.

Another link to the history of technology can be found at Kropswolde railway station: visitors can operate a signal apparatus with a signal arm themselves. Check access before your visit.

Plan your stay around your interests

The three dates mark different milestones: Foxhol was first mentioned under the name “Vossehol” in 1460, the Winschoterdiep section from Foxhol to Zuidbroek was completed in 1628, and Scholten’s first potato starch factory was built in 1842. Boating, fishing and walking are also among the activities available at the Foxholstermeer.

Discover more destinations: Westerbroek, Hoogezand.

Go to the broader travel overview: Hoogezand-Sappemeer.