Edam, town, in the western Netherlands, in Noord-Holland (North Holland) Province, on the IJsselmeer, near Amsterdam. In 1357, William V of Bavaria, count of Holland, granted the town civic rights. In the 17th century, Edam was a shipping and shipbuilding center. After large silt deposits formed in the harbor, commercial traffic moved to other ports, and shipbuilding declined. Edam's Church of Saint Nicholas (completed in the 14th century; restored after a fire in 1602) is noted for its stained-glass windows and carved woodwork.
Cheesemaking is the principal industry in Edam, and the town gives its name to the sweet-milk cheese processed in Noord-Holland. Leather, cordage, and sails are also manufactured. Population (1994) 7,153.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Edam Information info
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