It was first mentioned in 1376 as Steenwickerwolde, and means forest near
Steenwijk. It developed when Kerkbuurt, Gelderingen en Thij, three
esdorp villages, merged. In 1401, a church was built, and the village became independent from the neighbouring city in 1543. The
Dutch Reformed Church dates from the 15th century. In 1840, it was home to 1,369 people. The
dolmen (megalithic tomb) O1 used to be located in Steenwijkerwold. In 1781, it was in good condition and probably had 6 capstones. In the 1840s, it was thoroughly removed. == Notable people ==