Beeld De Scheepsjoagers
Around 1600, peat extraction began along the small river the Pekel A, after which the excavated peatlands were made suitable for agriculture. The river was channelled and new neighbourhoods were developed.
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These districts served as transport routes for peat and agricultural produce, the supply of all manner of other goods, and the management of water resources. Due to the many bridges and buildings, there was too little wind to sail. That is why ship haulers were called upon to pull the ships and barges along by hand. The bronze statue ‘De Scheepsjoagers’ by Hans Mes has stood in Oude Pekela since 1987, as a tribute to the men, women and children who carried out this arduous work.