It is located in the municipality of Eemsdelta, about 15 km (9 mi) northeast of the city of Groningen.

The village was first mentioned in the 10th or 11th century as Stedion and means "settlement near the (farmers) place".

[4] Stedum is a terp (artificial living village) with an elongated structure which developed during the early Middle Ages.

[5] It was destroyed in 1579 by Spanish troops, and Egbert Clant, the owner of the castle, fled to East Frisia.

[7] The town hall was constructed in 1926 in expressionist style and has served as an office building since 1990.