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Hódmezővásárhely, although in the hinterland, was to play a significant role in national events during the 1848-1849 freedom fight. Lajos Kossuth reached the town on 3rd October 1848 on his second recruitment drive. While there, he received news that the Hungarian army had been engaged in battle in Pákozd. The patriotic fervour of the assembled masses multiplied upon hearing the news, and local troops of the National Guard took part in fending off the southern Slav attacks.
Following the controlling of the Tisza, in the 1860s, the surrounding lakes and brooks dried up. The flat parts of the inner areas were progressively filled and the town thrived with the arrival of new settlers.
Hódmezővásárhely seceded from the county in 1873, receiving independent municipal rights. The first signs of urbanisation were apparent from then on. The population grew markedly. In 1890 Hódmezővásárhely was the fourth largest town in the country, with a population of 55,475.
The modern picture of the town was established around the turn of the century. These decades were characterised by the construction of artesian wells, dynamic building operations, construction of street-paving and canals. 70% of the population was engaged in farming and animal breeding.
The characteristic town layout was established, with a large system of farms extending to its borders. Animal breeding was still a dominant factor in the livelihood of the inhabitants. Rural animal breeding was characterised by economic efficiency. Quality horse breeding, which was partly an export product and partly demanded by agricultural needs, was profitable.
Besides this, poultry and egg production for the markets also flourished. Animal breeding was gradually replaced by the extensive growing of corn, which became the basis of the town's economy and employed a large number of workers. |
