The name Bourtange comes from the Dutch word tange (sand ridge), because the settlement is situated on a strategically important sand ridge in the marshes of the Bourtange Moor.[7]
History
Bourtange fortification, restored to 1750 situation
Later, around 1594, Bourtange became part of the fortifications on the border between the northern provinces (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe) and Germany.
Bourtange was a separate municipality until 1822, when it was merged with Vlagtwedde.[8]
In 1851 the star fort was given up and Bourtange became a normal village.[9]
Around 1960 living conditions in the village deteriorated and it was decided that Bourtange would be rebuilt to its state of 1740-1750. Today it is an open-air museum.
Geography
Bourtange is located in the center of the municipality of Westerwolde and in the east of the province of Groningen near the German border. It is situated on a sand ridge in the Bourtange Moor, in the region of Westerwolde.
Demographics
In 2001, the town of Bourtange had 267 inhabitants. The built-up area of the town was 0.21 km2, and contained 133 residences.[10] In 2005, the statistical area "Bourtange", which also can include the surrounding countryside, had a population of around 530.[11]