King Christian IV was known as "The Builder" because of the many castles and other buildings that were erected during his reign (1588-1648). Christianborg, a beautiful white castle (photo), was built by Christian VI on the island of Slotsholm It was destroyed by fire in 1794, and rebuilt later.
Frederik V (1736-1766) built Frederikstad between Bredegade (wide street) and the harbor of Copenhagen. A statue of Frederik V, mounted, is surrounded by Amalienborg. This place consists of four castles, built by four members of the royal family. Built in 1749-1760, it later became the residence of King Frederik IX and his Queen Ingred.
In this area the foundation of the "Marble Church" was laid in 1749. Construction was delayed in 1770, because of the high cost of Norwegian marble. It was finally completed in 1794 -- 45 years after the foundation was laid. These and many other famous buildings were erected during Baron Hans Rosendahl's time.
Jutland had many changes. Esbjerg had grown into a large town, destined to outdo Ribe (the oldest in Denmark) and Ringkøbing 35 kilometers north -- a great industrial town. But Jutland in the mid-18th century was also progressing in agriculture, dairy products, building and industry.
Tønder, the southernmost town in Denmark, as the map now shows us, was a hub of trade -- especially in cattle. Many merchants became prosperous and built beautiful, large houses. The lord lieutenant's mansion, with its impressive gate entrance and long driveway leading to the three-story stone building was erected in 1767. The Richtsen's House was built in 1777 at Vestergade 9. It is a stone, three-story building with an inviting entrance, and large bay windows on either side.
There are other buildings erected in earlier times. Tønder is a small, old town, established in 1243.
Three miles north of Tønder is the Schackenborg Castle, built in 1660. This is the castle where Baron Juvre (later Rosendahl) stayed while awaiting the king's direction to take over the Rosendahl estate. This is also the place, the village of Møgeltønder, where Hans met his future wife in 1720.
Ribe is the next town north, about 28 miles from Tønder. Although it is the oldest town in Denmark, it is probably the least progressive. Even as late as the mid 20th century, its population is only about 7,400. This is the town where Jacob Riis was born in 1849. Although he left Denmark at the age of 11, he is still revered by Denmark for the prominence he gained in the United States. He started his new world career in the ghetto of New York City, where he spent much of his time in social work, establishing children’s playgrounds. He promoted vacations in the country for under-privileged children. Jacob Riis carried his work for children to Chicago, where Jacob Riis Park was established in the northwest section of the city. (Incidentally not far from where the co-author made his home from 1914 to 1950.)
From the oldest town, Ribe, to the newest, Esbjerg, is perhaps 40 miles. Even as late as the 18th century, Esbjerg had only a few year-round fisherman families. But when Denmark lost Holstein to the Germans, this town became a large port and grew rapidly -- reaching a population of about 50,000 at this writing.
Traveling north we reach Ølgod (good ale), a small town which has not advanced much until the 19th century. In 1950 its population did not exceed 3,000. Some descendants of the Rosendahl family still live here. Farther north is Tarm, a small town about the same size. Then there were two small towns, Gundesbohl and Oddum in Oddum Sogn. It is in this area where the Rosendahl barony Oddum Sogn was located. only Tarm and Oddum still appear on the map.
The terrain leaving Tønder is for the most part heatherland, marshland and only occasional woods -- some small ponds where swans feed and nest. The land is generally flat and not as interesting or scenic as other parts of Denmark. On the west coast the land is low. Marshes and heather plains form the larger part of the area until we leave the coast and get farther north. Here the soil is better -- mostly loam. There are more woods and farms are more numerous. The land continues to be flat until north of Rosendahl Oddum Sogn. The hills become larger and woods more numerous. Here the scenery is beautiful and along the east coast of Jutland, we find a beautiful gently rolling landscape dotted with many comfortable-looking, homey farms. The buildings are all well painted. Stone paved courtyards and barnyards are swept clean. Cattle and other livestock are curried and groomed.
Some things that are markedly noticeable, especially to the ladies, the homes in the country or city have flower gardens -- windows are shiny and clean, with clean beautiful lace curtains.
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