Kolno - urban commune, Kolno County, Podlaskie Voivodship.
First mentioned in 1222 as belonging to the Masovian princes. City
rights received in 1425 from Prince Janusz I Mazowiecki.
Completely burned during Kosciuszko's Insurrection in 1794.
In 1795 included in Prussian zone of partition. Since 1807 in the Grand
Duchy of Warsaw, and since 1815 in (Russian) Kingdom of Poland.
Destroyed again in WW I.
Taken by the Germans on September 8, 1939, but given to the Soviets
few weeks later.
Severe persecution of all patriotic elements (both Christian and Jewish)
followed, including executions and deportations to Siberia and Kazakhstan.
Included in the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic until June 1941
when the Germans took it again. Immediately, all the Jews were murdered.
Liberated by the Soviet troops on January 24, 1945.
Present population: 10,684 (2007)
Arms and flag adopted on December 31, 2002 (resolution # IV/21/02).
"Arms: based on the original Arms bestowed by King Stanislaus Augustus
Poniatowski on October 13, 1765.
Saint Florian, patron of firefighters, standing with the banner and
pouring water on burning castle.
Flag: three horizontal bands of white-red-yellow. The middle, red band
is double the width of the other two. The Arms are placed centrally on
the red band."
Hometown of the real discoverer of America, Jan
z Kolna (well, maybe?, who knows for sure?).
Chrystian Kretowicz, 29 Oct 2008
Kolno city civic flag
image by Chrystian Kretowicz, 29 Oct 2008
civic flag, adopted 31 Dec 2002
Kolno city Coat of Arms
image by Chrystian Kretowicz, 29 Oct 2008
adopted 31 Dec 2002