History
Although the region around the city has been populated since prehistorical times, Rheine was first mentioned in a document signed by Louis the Pious only in 838. On 15 August 1327 it received its town charter from Louis II, Bishop of Münster.
The settlement was founded by reason of two old merchant roads crossing nearby, as well as a ford crossing the river Ems. Frankish soldiers secured this strategic point by a barrack yard at first. Later a church and more buildings were added to this outpost.
In the end of Thirty Years' War the city burned down almost completely. Swedish and Hessian troops besieged imperial soldiers who entrenched themselves in Rheine. On 20/21 September and 19 October 1647 glowing cannonballs set fire to the city, 365 houses got razed.
During the industrialisation textile industry prospered. It remained an important economical factor until the second half of the 20th century. Today engineering industries and services form the largest part of economy in Rheine.
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