Golub-Dobrzyń is a town in central Poland, located on the both sides of the Drweca river.

Situated in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Torun Voivodship (1975-1998). Population 12,500.

History

Initially there were 2 cities: Golub located north of Drweca river in the Culmland and Dobrzyn located south of Drweca river in the Land of Dobrzyn. The 2 cities were united May 5, 1951.

History of Golub

The village Golub (villa golube), populated by Poles, is first mentioned in a document from 1258. The Culmland was by then in hands of Teutonic Order since 1231. Teutonic knights built the castle 1296-1306 and elevated it to city status. In 1421 all privileges of the city were confirmed by Great Master Michal Kuchmeister. The city was severely damaged during Polish-Teutonic Order wars in 1414 and 1422. The latter war was called Golub war. In 1466 according to Second Peace Treaty in Torun Golub returned to Poland.

The height of prosperity of the city was reached during the rule of King Sigismund III of Poland 1611-1625. The city was severely damaged during Polish-Swedish wars, especially 1626-1629, 1655, 1660 and later during Seven Years War 1756 - 1763. In 1772, after First partition of Poland, Golub was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia. During 1807-1815 it belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw. It was assigned to the Duchy of Poznan in 1815, in 1817 it was included in West Prussia. In 1871 it was included in Imperial Germany and was subject to Germanisation. In January 1920 it became part of Poland. In August 1920, the Red Army attacked the city. In 1939 it was annexed by Nazi Germany and most of dwellers were forced to sign the Volksliste.

History of Dobrzyn

Since the second half of 17th century Dobrzyn existed as a settlement on the left bank of Drweca river. In 1684 Zygmunt Działyński named the settlement Przedmiescie Golubskie. In 1789 Graf Ignacy Dzialynski founded the city of Dobrzyn. In 1793 after the second partition of Poland, Dobrzyn was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia. During 1807-1815 it belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw. In 1815 it was included in the Kingdom of Poland in personal union with Russia. In the second half of 19th century the Kingdom of Poland was annexed by Russia and the city was developing faster with growing share of Jewish population. Eventually Dobrzyn became greater than Golub. After 1918 it was part of Poland. In August 1920, Red Army attacked the city. In 1939 it was annexed by Nazi Germany and most of dwellers were deported to death camps. Local intelligentsia were murdered in executions.

Major corporations

• Agrolok sp. z o.o., Golub-Dobrzyn

Castle of Golub (http://www.polishfamily.com/p4e/cities/022_i.html)