The role of the Brda River and the Bydgoszcz Canal in the rise and the development of Bydgoszcz

Abstract

Bydgoszcz started to play an important role as a river port in XIVth century. It was always one of the leading centres in the coutry in grain trade. Along the centuries Bydgoszcz was also known of it’s wood, salt and ceramics trade, not only in the country, but also abroad. After the annexation of Bydgoszcz by Prussia in 1772, one of the first decision made by Prussian authorities was to build a Bydgoski Canal to connect Noteć and Brda rivers, and further Odra and Wisla. It is used since 1774 and gave huge incomes to the city. When in 1851 rails connected Bydgoszcz with other cities, a significant decision of building new river port placed in the Eastern edge of the city was made. This enabled an optimal usage of both means of transport train and shipping. Till the end of 60’s transport by the river played a huge role in state’s transport. Since this moment we register the systematic decrease of river transport. For today, Bydgoszcz does not gain profits from the closeness to river and canal.