The district was established in 1977 by merging the former districts of Land Hadeln and Wesermünde. The city of Cuxhaven lost its status as a district-free city and became the capital of the new district.
Geography
The district is often called Cuxland, which is rather a nickname than an official designation. It is located on the coast of the North Sea and is enclosed by the river mouths of Elbe and Weser. The coasts are part of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park.
Coat of arms
The arms display Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of fishermen. The coast of the North Sea is symbolised at the bottom of the arms.