The village was settled by Lutheran refugees from East Frisia during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).

[2] In 1608, the river from the Dollart to Winschoterzijl was canalised and widened to 30 feet as the Nieuwediep (now: Winschoterdiep).

[3] In 1628, a sconce (fortification) was constructed at Winschoterzijl to protect the Province of Groningen from enemy attack.

[1] On 7 September 1672, the army of Münster attacked Groningen, and managed to take Winschoterzijl and the city of Winschoten.

De Olde Molen, one of the windmills burned down in 1814, and was rebuilt in 1815, and has been relocated to Palm Beach, Aruba.

[2] The last house in Winschoterzijl was demolished in 1992, the Van Gogh bridge was moved to Winschoten near the McDonald's, and the hamlet was officially disestablished.