Other places in the world called Amsterdam
5 other places called Amsterdam without a canal, a pair of clogs or tulips in sight.
Frozen Mohawk River (Shutterstock.com)
1. Amsterdam, New York, USA
Located in Montgomery County, on the north bank of the Mohawk River, Amsterdam was first settled by Dutch immigrants in 1710. Known locally as the small city with the big heart, the city boomed after the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, becoming an important manufacturing centre. It was particularly famous for its carpets.
What to see: Like historic properties? From the old Amsterdam Armoury and the Temple of Israel to the Chalmers Knitting Mill and the Town Hall, Amsterdam has dozens of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interesting fact: Amsterdam was home to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame until it was moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in late 2015.
Make sure you: Catch a game of baseball at Shuttleworth Park. The local Amsterdam Mohawks play in the Perfect Game Collegiate League.
Bush veldt in Mpumalanga. Sheep not shown. (Shutterstock.com)
2. Amsterdam, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Amsterdam is a small sheep farming town, close to South Africa’s border with Swaziland. There are also a few pine, gum and wattle plantations.
What to see: Sheep. Lots of sheep. Pop over to neighbouring Swaziland and down to nearby Kruger National Park for a change of pace.
Interesting fact: The town was originally called Roburnia, in honour of Scottish Poet Robbie Burns. It was changed on 5 July 1882 to Amsterdam, as thanks for Dutch sympathy during the First Anglo-Boer War.
Make sure you: Drop by the farm that once belonged to local character, Oom Chaart. A tall chap, he was known for his black beard, brown shorts and Boer farming shoes that he used to stomp on ‘bleddy rats.’ He was also famous for his threat ‘I’ll knock you off your birth certificate.’
Grain silos on the Canadian prairie (Shutterstock.com)
3. Amsterdam, Saskatchewan, Canada
Located in the heart of Canada’s prairie province, the hamlet of Amsterdam was settled by Dutch immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Once a thriving farming community, the population has since decreased to 25 people.
What to see: The old post office and a grain elevator.
Interesting fact: Although founded by Dutch immigrants, Amsterdam is now primarily populated by people of Ukrainian descent.
Make sure you: Switch the light off when leaving.
