Wilhelmshaven

Wilhelmshaven, the chief naval port of Germany, is on the west side of the entrance of the bay or gulf of Jähde, 45 miles NW. of Bremen by rail. The town, first projected in 1836, has been regularly laid out on a strip of ground bought by Prussia from Oldenburg in 1864, and was inaugurated by King William in June 1869. It is now a fortress of the first rank, defended by outlying forts and an elaborate system of torpedoes, and, with its moles, extensive basins, dry-docks, vast stores for the navy, and workshops for all the requirements of a fleet, has been a very costly creation—the massive buildings being erected on soft and swampy ground, without any natural advantage save its situation. Water has been obtained by means of artesian wells. A harbour for commercial purposes has been made to the south of and connected with the naval one; but the mercantile importance of Wilhelmshaven is yet in the future. Pop. 15,000.