In the early centuries of its existence the village played an important role in regional traffic, due to its favourable location by the river Viaanse Vaart.

During the French occupation of the Netherlands in the early 19th century Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of a major road connection between Paris and Amsterdam, passing through Meerkerk as well.

According to local legend, the emperor himself once spent some time in Meerkerk during an official visit to the Netherlands.

[6] Since 1886 the Zederik Channel passes the town, maintaining Meerkerk's importance to regional traffic.

By the end World War II the municipality expanded its borders, giving the population a chance to increase to some 2500 souls.