Noordhorn is located on a sandy ridge. The settlement on the north side became known as Noordhorn and the southern village Zuidhorn. It was first mentioned in 1398 spelled as "Noirthoren". The church has 13th century elements, and was founded by the
Aduard Abbey. The village was not part of a
heerlijkheid or ruled by a lord. During the
Dutch Revolt, the city of Groningen sided with Spain. Most of the
Ommelanden (country side) and the province of
Friesland opted for the
Dutch Republic, and an army advanced on the city. On 30 September 1581, the
Battle of Noordhorn was fought which was won by Spain. On 22 July 1594, after the
Siege of Groningen, Groningen was forced to side with Dutch Republic. In 1808, during the French occupation, Noordhorn became the seat of a
commune which included Zuidhorn. In 1814, it was reversed again. In 1930s, the
Van Starkenborgh Canal was dug which forms a physical separation between Noord- and Zuidhorn. The tunnel opened in 2014. In 2018, Noordhorn became part of the municipality of
Westerkwartier. == Notable people ==