kids encyclopedia robot

Åtvidaberg facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Åtvidaberg
Åtvidaberg
Åtvidaberg
Coat of arms of Åtvidaberg
Coat of arms
Åtvidaberg is located in Östergötland
Åtvidaberg
Åtvidaberg
Location in Östergötland
Åtvidaberg is located in Sweden
Åtvidaberg
Åtvidaberg
Location in Sweden
Country Sweden
Province Östergötland
County Östergötland County
Municipality Åtvidaberg Municipality
Area
 • Total 5.42 km2 (2.09 sq mi)
Population
 (31 December 2020)
 • Total 6,934
 • Density 1,279.3/km2 (3,313/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)

Åtvidaberg is a town in Sweden. It's the main town in Åtvidaberg Municipality, located in Östergötland County. In 2020, about 6,934 people lived there.

History of Åtvidaberg

Early Mining Days

Åtvidaberg has a long history, especially with mining. People started digging for copper here way back in the 1300s! The name 'Åtvidaberg' first appeared in 1467. It comes from two old words: 'Åtvid,' which was the name of the local church area, and 'berg.' While 'berg' usually means 'mountain,' here it means 'mine.' So, the name basically means 'Åtvid's mine area.'

Growth of the Town

A noble family called Adelswärd played a big part in the town's growth. They invested a lot of money in the 1800s and early 1900s. Thanks to them, Åtvidaberg became a modern town with many industries.

The Facit Company and Football

In the 1970s, a company called Facit was very important to Åtvidaberg. Facit made calculators and was a major employer. They also sponsored the local football team, Åtvidabergs FF. This team was one of the best in Sweden during the 1970s!

However, when Facit went out of business in the late 1970s, it was tough for the town. The football team also struggled after losing its main sponsor.

Emigration to America

At the end of the 1800s, many copper mines in Åtvidaberg closed down. This meant many people lost their jobs. Because of this, almost one-third of the people living in Åtvidaberg Municipality moved away. Many of them went to Ishpeming, Michigan in the United States.

In 1994, a special plaque was placed at the Mormorsgruvan mine in Åtvidaberg. This plaque remembers all the people who left to find new lives.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Åtvidaberg para niños

kids search engine
Åtvidaberg Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.