Fourmies, Nord
| Fourmies | |
|---|---|
  Fourmies | |
|
Location within Nord-Pas-de-Calais region  Fourmies | |
| Coordinates: 50°01′05″N 4°03′14″E / 50.0181°N 4.0539°ECoordinates: 50°01′05″N 4°03′14″E / 50.0181°N 4.0539°E | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Nord-Pas-de-Calais |
| Department | Nord |
| Arrondissement | Avesnes-sur-Helpe |
| Canton | Trélon |
| Intercommunality | Action Fourmies et environs |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2001–2008) | Martine Roux |
| Area | |
| • Land1 | 22.98 km2 (8.87 sq mi) |
| Population (1999) | |
| • Population2 | 13,867 |
| • Population2 Density | 600/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 59249 / 59610 |
| Elevation |
174–247 m (571–810 ft) (avg. 202 m or 663 ft) |
|
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Fourmies is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. The inhabitants are called Fourmisiens.
Geography
Fourmies is situated in the Euroregion of Thiérache, a region of Northern France and Southern Belgium. It is 50 km (31 mi) from Valenciennes, 100 km (62 mi) from Lille, and 175 km (109 mi) from Paris. The city is surrounded by forests and ponds.
History
On May 1, 1891, the Fusillade de Fourmies occurred. It was the first French and international celebration of International Workers' Day on May Day. In Fourmies, troops shot at peaceful strikers: nine died, including 8 demonstrators under 21 years old, among whom, a young worker who will remain a symbol, Marie Blondeau. Thirty-five strikers were also wounded.
The shooting of the 1st of May in Fourmies evoked strong emotions throughout France. It is regarded today as one of the founding events of the French Section of the Workers' International. Jean Jaurès visited Fourmies afterwards to make a speech there while George Clemenceau declared in front of the French Parliament that "it is the Fourth state which rose".
Heraldry
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The arms of Fourmies are blazoned : |
Events
- Every year, since 1928, the city hosts the Grand Prix de Fourmies, a professional cycle race.
- The music festival (fête de la musique)
- The traditional fun fair (traditionnelle fête foraine) attracts many people each summer.
Sister cities
-
- Fridley, Minnesota, United States -
- Bernburg, Germany since 1967
