Greifswald

Greifswald, a town in the province of Ponierania, Prussia, 20 miles S.S.E. of Stralsund. It was founded in the 13th century by Dutch merchants, and in 1250 received a constitution from Duke Wratislaus. Soon after it formed a league with the Hanse Towns against Denmark and Norway. From 1631 till the Peace of Westphalia it was held by the Swedes, into wdiose possession it again twice fell, but in 1815 was finally ceded to Prussia. It has a university, founded in 1456. The church of St. Nicholas has a valuable library and a tower 330 feet. high. Greifswald has a large corn trade with England, France, and the Mediterranean.