Stralsund

Stralsund, a seaport of Prussia, is situated on a narrow strait called the Strela Sound, which divides the mainland from the island of Rügen, and 67 miles by rail NW. from Stettin. It forms an island, connected with the mainland by bridges. Down to 1873 the place was a fortress of the first class. Many of the houses are finely gabled, which gives the town a quaint and ancient look. The most interesting building is the town-house (1306), with a museum of antiquities from the island of Rügen. Stralsund carries on a large export trade in malt, corn, fish, wool, coal, groceries, &c., and manufactures leather, sugar, starch, oil, and cards. Pop. (1890) 27,820. Stralsund was founded in 1209, and became one of the most important members of the Hansa. During the Thirty Years' War it successfully withstood a terrible siege (1628) by Wallenstein; but in 1678 it capitulated to the Great Elector after a furious bombardment. It again opened its gates to Prussia and her allies in 1715, to the French in 1807, and to the Danes and others in 1809. The town was held by the Swedes from 1628 to 1814; in the year following (1815) Denmark gave it up to Prussia.