The town is located adjacent to the confluence of the Oude Maas and Spui River.

After the St. Elizabeth's flood (1421), large parts of the islands Putten and Grote Waard were lost and became clay banks and salt marshes which would be inundated at high tide and be unsuitable for habitation.

Beijerland was named after Sabina of Bavaria (Dutch: Beijeren), wife of the Count of Egmont.

In 1582 the name was changed to Oud-Beijerland, in order to distinguish it from Nieuw-Beijerland which was formed several kilometers to the west.

The tram was nicknamed "Het Moordenaartje" (The Little Murderer) because of the high rate of casualties involved with its operation.