History

The name Hanko Peninsula is mentioned for the first time in a written source. The Danes had conquered Reval (Tallinn) and they needed information about a safe route from Denmark to Tallinn. The route went past the peninsula of Hanko. Hanko had a name in both Finnish and Swedish; Cumiupe and Hangethe. Lowicsund (Tvärminne) is also mentioned on the map.

The first mention of a chapel in the harbor that is nowadays known as the Chapel harbor. It is however likely that the chapel was built in the 15th century. Its exact location is unknown, but in 2006 the chapel’s cemetery was discovered. In 1935 the society of Hembygdsforskningens vänner i Hangö raised a memorial on the place, where they believed the chapel had been.

The Battle of Rilax is fought north of the Hanko Peninsula. This is the Russian navy’s first victory over Sweden. In 1964 a medal is minted in honor of the Swedish navy commander Nils Ehrenskiöld.

Augustin Ehrensvärd leads a group of men that measure the waters surrounding Hanko with a possible fortification in mind. In addition of the Hanko Peninsula, a fortification was planned outside of Helsinki, where it was later founded and named Sveaborg.

The English cut down trees along a wide lane on the Tulliniemi cape, and use it as a sea mark during the Crimean war (1853–1856), when all other sea marks have been removed by the Russians. The Russians blow up the old Swedish fortifications.

The port of Hanko is put to use. It is Finland’s first winter harbor and the expectations are high.

The ice-resistant ship Express starts operating between Hanko and Stockholm. The ship carries mail and passengers.

Oy Granit Ab is founded. Granite is quarried from and processed near the cliffs of Drottningberg and then exported to among other places Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

This is the club house of the country’s most fashionable spa. It is nowadays known as the Casino. Croquet and tennis can be played in front of the building.

The most important activities of the spa are the daily baths, either inside the spa or outside in a fenced area in the sea. The nature of the treatments depend on what kind of illnesses one wants to cure. However, water is the most important means of treatment.

Finska Forcit-Dynamit Ab is founded. The company still produces explosives.

Around 23.000 emigrants leave Hanko for North-America this year. The steam ship company Suomen Höyrylaivaosakeyhtiö builds a hotel for emigrants on the Boulevard in Hanko the same year.

In 1906 and 1907 30.000 Russian Jews travel as emigrants from Hanko to North America. The steam ship company Suomen Höyrylaivaosakeyhtiö builds them a hotel at the corner of Nycandeirnkatu and Korkeavuorenkatu.

The butter warehouse is put to use in Hanko. Butter is one of Hanko’s most important export products.

Finsk-Engelska Biscuit-fabriks Ab is founded. The cookie factory produces the famous smiling Hanko cookies until 1940.

The First World War begins, and the Russian spa guests quickly leave. Hanko is a closed military area in 1916–1917.

General Mannerheim is a resident of Hanko. In the years 1927–1933, he owns the café the House of the Four Winds.

An emigrant leaving Hanko has taken a photo on the steps of her home, and later she will send a photo of herself from the United States to show how well she is doing there.

A slide is opened on the Plagen beach, from which both children and adults descend on coconut rugs. It’s fashionable to have a tan.

The Hanko Peninsula is leased to the Soviet Union as a naval base for 30 years. The residents of Hanko are given 10 days to evacuate the peninsula.

The rebuilding of Hanko begins. The city hall and water tower have been destroyed and 80 % of the buildings have been damaged.

Oy Koverhar Ab has started its production of iron. Ten years later a steel factory is launched. Production ends in 2012.

The city of Hanko amortizes the port of Hanko for 1 million marks from the state.

The Coastal Artillery Battallion of Hanko, which has operated in the city since 1921, is discontinued.