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Happy 100th Anniversary of Gdynia! It inspires, attracts, and captivates in so many ways. It resonates, evokes associations, and gives hope. For a hundred years, it has seized its opportunity, opening up new possibilities for us. It was and remains a symbol, an icon, a role model, yet that's not enough. And it boldly adds: "I am a dream!"
The glacier retreated along the present-day coast, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape. It wasn't until 6,000 years later that the Baltic Sea was formed.
In the area surrounding present-day Gdynia, people left traces that survive to this day. If someone came here earlier, archaeology will one day reveal them to us.
During this time, permanent habitation took place, developing agriculture and grazing livestock. Representatives of various cultures came and went—for various reasons.
The Pomeranian culture, known for its urns depicting facial features, dominated the Baltic Sea. Several hundred years later, the culture later known as Oksywie developed here.
People have continuously inhabited the area surrounding present-day Gdynia for over 1,200 years. Around 1,000 years ago, in the event of an invasion, they could find refuge in the fortified settlement of Oksywie.
Gdynia was mentioned in a document dated October 31st of that year, and we know of no older source for its history (Oksywie was recorded in 1212). In the 13th and 14th centuries, almost all the villages—today's districts—existed.
Russian troops burned down all the buildings in Gdynia. No other event devastated the city to such an extent, although the scale (a dozen or so farmsteads) is incomparable.
On that day, the First Partition of Poland took place, with Pomerania, along with Gdynia (but not yet Gdańsk), becoming part of the Prussian state. A difficult period of partition began for the region's inhabitants.
Serfdom ended in Gdynia. But from that date on, peasants were released from their obligations and given land, which was a social breakthrough.
Johann Adler purchased the land, where he built an inn and later a hotel. This established a summer resort in what would later become Orłowo, opening a chapter in the tourist history of this part of the coast.
A railway line from Słupsk to Gdańsk was opened, with stations in Chylonia and Mały Kack. When a stop in Gdynia was opened in 1894, the railway gradually began to develop.
The Gdynia Baltic Bathing Association built a spa house on the beach, ushering in a new phase of the resort's development. Soon, an alley led to it – today's 10 Lutego Street.
Poland effectively regained access to the Baltic Sea. A symbolic wedding to the sea took place in Puck, and three days later, Polish troops reached Gdynia.
Engineer Tadeusz Wenda, sent to reconnaissance the coast, indicated the site for the construction of a future military and possible commercial port – Gdynia.
The Act of September 23, 1922, on the construction of the port confirmed the maritime direction of the state's policy. Work had been underway since late 1920, and on May 29, 1921, it was consecrated.
On April 29, 1923, the Temporary Naval Port and Fishermen's Refuge opened, and on August 13, 1923, the first seagoing vessel, the S/S Kentucky, arrived. Reinforced concrete soon replaced the wooden structures.
By decree of February 10, 1926, Gdynia was granted city rights (effective March 4). It's been 100 years! Although maritime festivals were once more celebrated, we've been celebrating birthdays on February 10 for years.
The first townhouse was built. Soon, traditional architectural styles were replaced by modernism. In 1936, the iconic ZUS building (today the City Hall) was completed.
The Port of Gdynia gained full independence in all essential activities it was required to conduct. This meant that Poland was no longer dependent on its neighbors.
Gdynia surrendered, becoming Gotenhafen a few days later. On October 12, the "wild" and later organized displacement of residents began.
The executions in the Piaśnica Forest, which had been ongoing since late October, reached their peak. By the spring of 1940, they had claimed 12,000-14,000 victims, including residents of Pomerania, including Gdynia.
Soviet and Polish troops entered Gdynia. The city was approximately 10% destroyed and its port 90%. Reconstruction and the resumption of maritime trade began immediately.
An electric railway line to Gdynia was launched. Today's SKM not only permanently connected but also connected the Tricity area. Gdynia currently has nine stops.
An agreement was signed between the government and the protesting workers, an unprecedented event in Poland. However, members of the strike committee were beaten and detained.
On the morning of December 17, 1970, workers were shot at on their way to work. Among the 18 victims were students. Many of the participants were later harassed by the authorities and employers.
Gdynia signed its first sister city agreement (Plymouth), confirming its commitment to global cooperation. Today, there are 16 sister cities, two of which are friendly.
The second dry dock (the first in 1961) was opened at the Paris Commune Shipyard, along with its signature crane – a gantry crane. The shipbuilding industry became more competitive.
Strikes spread across the country, including Gdynia. On August 31, an agreement was signed in Gdańsk with the authorities. Solidarity's fight for a better Poland was hampered by martial law from December 13, 1981.
Communism is said to have ended in Poland on June 4, 1989, but the process of change took three years. Of particular significance were the first local elections on May 27, 1990. They allowed Gdynia to decide for itself.
Poland's course towards Europe and the world brought accession to NATO on March 12, 1999, and to the European Union on May 1, 2004. The port of Gdynia became a base for the alliance's ships, and the city became an active partner of the EU.
On February 23, 2015, Gdynia's downtown area was designated a Historic Monument, and efforts to preserve its historical, architectural, and community heritage have accelerated. Currently, the goal is to place it on the UNESCO list.