Șomcuta Mare

Șomcuta Mare on the Josephine Map of Transylvania

The exact founding date of Șomcuta Mare is unknown; however, it is first mentioned in 1319 as part of "Cetatea de piatră" (Stone Fortress) realm. In the 14th century, the locality, along with the "Chioar Domain" enters the possession of Romanian voivodes (rulers) of the Voivodeship of Maramureș. As of 1566, the "Chioar Domain" is divided in 12 voivodeships, of which those led by voivode Dan Butean are administered from Șomcuta Mare, covering 14 villages. In the year of 1599 Șomcuta Mare along with the remaining "Chioar Domain" is transferred to the rule of Mihai Viteazul.

In 1713 "Cetatea de piatră" is destroyed. Later, in 1738, the "Chioar Domain" is transformed into a "Ținut" (Land of), leading to an increased administrative importance of Șomcuta Mare. With the help of Gheorghe Șincai a school is founded in the year of 1784; a primary school is opened between 1835-1838 and girl school between 1867-1889.

At the end of the 19th century the locality becomes an important trading point, with well established markets. The area had 3 operating banks: "Casa de Economii a Districtului Chioar" (Savings House of Chioar District), "Casa de Economii Chioreană" (Chiorean House of Savings) and "Banca de Comerț" (Commerce Bank); as well as a train station, post office, telegraph, library and fireman house.

During the inter-war oil presses, mills, and 3 leather processing factories operate in the area as well as an agriculture school is opened. Between 1922 and 1929 a gymnasium was opened. In 1930–1931 the newspaper "Chioar" was published.

After World War II, the locality reached a higher urbanisation level. Its status was changed from commune to town in 2004.

The town of Șomcuta Mare covers an area of 12,040 ha (29,800 acres), of which:

Agricultural land: 7,949 ha

• arable land: 2,799 ha
• pastures: 1,855 ha
• hay fields: 2,585 ha
• vineyards: 5 ha
• orchards: 705 ha

Non-agricultural land: 4,091 ha

• forests: 3,177 ha
• water: 107 ha
• roads: 201 ha
• buildings: 517 ha
• vacant land: 89 ha

At the 2011 census, the town's population was 8,079. At the 2002 census, the town's population was 7,708, of which: 6,810 Romanians, 167 Hungarians, 3 Germans, 3 Italians, 1 Ukrainian, 1 Jew, and 1 Serbian. Compared against the 1992 census, the population declined from 8,079.

In the village of Finteușu Mare, a male choir was established on 1 December 1918, when the assembly of the delegates of ethnic Romanians declared the union of Transylvania with Romania, which included most of the Maramureș region. As of 2015, the choir was still interpreting the Romanian patriotic song "Dac-am plecat, Ardealule, din tine", composed as a reaction to the 1940 Second Vienna Award, where arbiters Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy assigned Northern Transylvania, including Maramureș, back to Hungary.[3]

• Ben Ferencz (1920–2023), chief prosecutor at one of the Nuremberg Trials

In the town there are currently 3 kindergartens, 4 elementary schools, 3 gymnasiums, and one secondary school: the Ioan Buteanu Theoretical High School.[4]

• Nature Reserve "Peștera Vălenii Șomcutei" (Vălenii Șomcutei Cave), 5 ha (12 acres).