Gdynia’s 100 birthday – 10 February
Gdynia’s history
Ten thousand years – that’s how long ago people appeared in the area of present-day Gdynia. They did not follow mammoths, giant sloths or sabre-toothed tigers, or at least there is no evidence of that. Our area back then remains to be something of a mystery. Unexplored. However, a thousand years ago settlement had already become permanent, and fortified strongholds and villages were expanding and gaining in strength. In 1253, Gdynia was first mentioned in a document that has survived to this day. Recorded – from that moment on, we can speak of Gdynia by name. The surrounding villages had different owners, though none of them belonged to the Adamczewski family — yes, as in Poland’s hit historical series 1670 (we really did check!). Their development depended on the strength of the region and the country’s condition. When Poland fell to the partitioning powers, new governments came to rule and new times began. Alluring – in the “long” 19th century Gdynia began to transform into a seaside resort. That’s how the Second Polish Republic found it.
Symbolic, or a miracle without… miracles
Poland’s regaining of independence in 1918 brought with it access to the Baltic Sea (in 1920). Its short stretch of coastline ended just before Sopot, which was part of the Free City of Gdańsk.
Poland needed a seaport: for importing weapons, for its Navy, for handling migration, for exporting goods… In 1920, the expert eye of engineer Tadeusz Wenda identified Gdynia as the ideal location, and construction of the port soon began – later confirmed by an act of law. Thanks to the determination of the authorities, with the involvement of extraordinary effort and resources, within just over a decade Poland built one of the most modern and largest ports in Europe – a fleet base, transport hub, centre of trade, industry and services.
I have my rights! (Gdynia, 1926)
The port of Gdynia had an impact on its neighbourhood, the Pomeranian region, the country, as well as the Baltic area and international relations. However, it first and foremost transformed Gdynia itself, accompanying it on its journey from a summer resort village with a population of 1,300 to a city of 127,000, rich in diverse customs and cultures. What united the people of that time was hard work, adaptability, and a spirit of modernity, expressed in accordance with scale and possibilities – for example, through modernist architecture. The city grew thanks to state support and private investment. Boldly and without hesitation, it incorporated the surrounding towns, seducing others (and itself) with the “Great Gdynia” slogan. The measure of this greatness was not limited to numbers. Government offices moved to the city (including those from Wejherowo and Puck), new institutions were established, and businesses flourished. Gdynia worked tirelessly to earn its position and build its brand.
Small or large, colourful or sepia-toned, fast and… even faster. Every kind of Gdynia — agricultural, fishing, resort, rural, port, business, innovative, cultural, historic, sporting, and even the German ‘-hafen’ Gdynia — belonged, in one way or another, to everyone. Created, supported, celebrated, defended, and rebuilt by the state and local government, by the community and society, by settlers and newcomers alike. This is our Gdynia, our Jubilant City. And may it remain so. Long live Gdynia — long live! You are so beautiful! And your history… is yet to unfold!
