Fort Bourtange was initially built during the Eighty Years' War (circa 1568–1648) when
William I of Orange wanted to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen which
was controlled by the Spanish. This road followed a sandy ridge (tange) through the marshes (the Bourtange Swamp).
Later, around 1594, Bourtange became part of the fortifications on the border
between the northern provinces (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe) and Germany.
Bourtange was a separate municipality until 1822, when it was merged with Vlagtwedde.
In 1851 the star fort was given up and Bourtange became a normal village.
Around 1960 living conditions in the village deteriorated and it was decided that Bourtange
would be rebuilt to its state of 1740-1750. Today it is an open-air museum.
