All except for a Frisian family were from neighbouring Germany, and were living in sod houses on the moorland.

[4] In 1844, the name Slagharen first appeared, and means "parcel [of land] on sandy ground".

[5] The predominantly German settlers resulted in the founding of a Catholic church in 1843.

It quickly developed into one of largest mail order companies of the Netherlands.

[8] In 1963, the Ponypark Slagharen opened where you could stay in a holiday house with your own Shetland pony.