This article is about the fortress in Norway. For the fortress in Denmark, see Ertholmene.
Christiansø Fortress is one of the historic Norwegian fortresses, which commands the western approaches to Flekkerøy harbor, at Kristiansand municipality in Norway.
In the early 17th century the struggle between the Netherlands Navy and the Dunkirk pirates had spread into Norwegian coastline waters in the South of Norway (Sørlandet).
In June 1635 Christian IV of Denmark-Norway, in his vessel which lay at anchor at Flekkerøy harbor, ordered construction of a naval base and Christiansø Fortress on small Slottsholmen island (now called Gammeløen or old island). The island commands the western approaches to Flekkerøy harbor, a port long frequented by ships of many nations. The town of Kristiansand was also soon founded there in 1641 to strengthen control of the area. Flekkerøy lies off the coast of the population center at Kristiansand and is a part of Kristiansand municipality.
Christian IV again visited Flekkerøy in 1644 during the Hannibal War.
While the Dutch-English war (1652–1654) was being fought Jørgen Bjelke was named lord of the region and commander of Christiansø Fortress to strengthen the defenses in the event that Oliver Cromwell's forces should attempt to seize it to prey on the extensive Dutch-Norwegian trade. Bjelke was later to play a major role in the Northern War.
Construction on the fortress was never completed. When the danger from Cromwell ceased, this fort was abandoned and replaced by the more strategically located Fredriksholm Fortress, which commanded both approaches to the harbor, in 1658.
The focus of defense moved to Kristiansand town in 1672, with the Christiansholm Fortress, much of which still survives.
During the Dano-German War of 1848 and through the Crimean War the forts at Christiansø and Fredriksholm were returned to service. The two islands were evacuated and the fortifications closed in 1871.
Although centuries old, the fortresses at Flekkerøy did not see combat until the German invasion on the 9th of April, 1940.
christiansø, fortress, this, article, about, fortress, norway, fortress, denmark, ertholmene, historic, norwegian, fortresses, which, commands, western, approaches, flekkerøy, harbor, kristiansand, municipality, norway, christiansø, festningkristiansand, norwa. This article is about the fortress in Norway For the fortress in Denmark see Ertholmene Christianso Fortress is one of the historic Norwegian fortresses which commands the western approaches to Flekkeroy harbor at Kristiansand municipality in Norway Christianso festningKristiansand NorwayTypeFortressSite informationControlled byNorwaySite historyBuilt1635In use1635 1658 1848 1871Garrison informationPastcommandersJorgen BjelkeHistory EditIn the early 17th century the struggle between the Netherlands Navy and the Dunkirk pirates had spread into Norwegian coastline waters in the South of Norway Sorlandet In June 1635 Christian IV of Denmark Norway in his vessel which lay at anchor at Flekkeroy harbor ordered construction of a naval base and Christianso Fortress on small Slottsholmen island now called Gammeloen or old island The island commands the western approaches to Flekkeroy harbor a port long frequented by ships of many nations The town of Kristiansand was also soon founded there in 1641 to strengthen control of the area Flekkeroy lies off the coast of the population center at Kristiansand and is a part of Kristiansand municipality Christian IV again visited Flekkeroy in 1644 during the Hannibal War While the Dutch English war 1652 1654 was being fought Jorgen Bjelke was named lord of the region and commander of Christianso Fortress to strengthen the defenses in the event that Oliver Cromwell s forces should attempt to seize it to prey on the extensive Dutch Norwegian trade Bjelke was later to play a major role in the Northern War Construction on the fortress was never completed When the danger from Cromwell ceased this fort was abandoned and replaced by the more strategically located Fredriksholm Fortress which commanded both approaches to the harbor in 1658 The focus of defense moved to Kristiansand town in 1672 with the Christiansholm Fortress much of which still survives During the Dano German War of 1848 and through the Crimean War the forts at Christianso and Fredriksholm were returned to service The two islands were evacuated and the fortifications closed in 1871 Although centuries old the fortresses at Flekkeroy did not see combat until the German invasion on the 9th of April 1940 Coordinates 58 05 08 N 7 59 02 E 58 08556 N 7 98389 E 58 08556 7 98389References EditTrelastnaeringen under Christian 4 av Oystein Rian Foreningen til Norske Fortidsninnesmerkers Bevaring Arbok 1988 South Norway by Frank Noel Stagg George Allen amp Unwin Ltd 1958 This Norwegian history related article is a stub You can help Wikipedia by expanding it vte This article on military history is a stub You can help Wikipedia by expanding it vte This military base or fortification article is a stub You can help Wikipedia by expanding it vte Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Christianso Fortress amp oldid 1019839556, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
