Population (1 Jan 2003): 11.432; area: 16,03 km²; settlements: Simpelveld
(seat), Bocholtz.
In 1982 the two municipalities of Bocholtz and Simpelveld merged to
form the new municipality of Simpelveld. This is in the southeastern corner
of Limburg province, bordering on Germany. It was a major mining area,
and in the 1930's it was thought that its relative isolation would be ended
by the railway from Maastricht to Aken in Germany. That project was a minor
catastrophe (no pun intended) as it cost over ƒ 1.000.000 per kilometer,
and it got the nickname "miljoenenlijntje". Presently the same railway
is attracting quite a few tourists who enjoy travelling slowly. In the
1950's the mines were closed - it seems that the Simpelvelders now see
the benefits of that...
Jarig Bakker, 12 Aug 2003
Simpelveld old flag
by Jarig Bakker, 12 Aug 2003
The old municipal flag of Simpelveld was adopted 22 Mar 1967 by municipal
resolution.
Description: three equally wide horizontal stripes of blue and white,
with in the canton a flying white dove.
The white stripe represents the rivulet Simpel (now dry).
Source: Derkwillem Visser's "Gemeentevlaggen en wapens Koninkrijk
der Nederlanden, 2001".
Jarig Bakker, 12 Aug 2003
Bocholtz former municipality
The flag of Bocholtz was adopted 14 May 1971 by municipal resolution.
Description: three equally wide vertical stripes of blue and white,
with in the canton a St. James shell.
Source: Derkwillem Visser's "Gemeentevlaggen en wapens Koninkrijk
der Nederlanden, 2001".
Jarig Bakker, 12 Aug 2003