DUNKIRK, dina'krk (Fr. Dunkerque or Dunquerque), France, a strongly fortified town in the department of Nord, on the coast of the North Sea, 28 miles northeast of Calais, at the junction of several canals. Of the public squares, that of Champ de Mars and that adorned by a statue of jean Bart (1845) are the most noteworthy. There are several inter esting churches, among the chief being the church of Saint Eloi, built about 1560, with a fine tower about 300 feet high, now used as a belfry; the chapel of Notre-Dame des Dunes, founded in 1405 and restored in 1815; and the convent and church of Saint Jean-Baptiste. Dunkirk is well protected by several forts, both on the land side and on that of the sea. Its manufactures are extensive, comprising fishing nets, ropes, sailcloth, straw hats, starch, soap, leather, earthenware, oil and chemicals, besides distilling, sugar-refining, shipbuilding and other industries. Dunkirk is the third seaport of France, has four dry docks and five miles of quayage, chief port of departure of the Iceland fishing fleets. The trade is extensive and im
portant. Dunkirk is the seat of a United States consular agent. Dunkirk was a town under its present name, which means ethe church of the in the 9th century. It has played a part in many wars, has been besieged on many occasions and successively held by Burgundy, Austria, Spain and France. Turennes victory of the dunes in 1658 brought it into the possession of France, by whom it was ceded to England. In 1662 it was bought back from Charles II. Under the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) its fortifications were to be de molished; but these were subsequently rebuilt. It was unsuccessfully besieged by the Duke of York in 1793. The present commercial import ance of Dunkirk dates from the period of the Second Empire. One of the most famous na tives of the town is Jean Bart (1651-1702), the celebrated seaman. Pop. of commune 38,891.