Dortmund
[key], city, North Rhine–Westphalia, W Germany, a port on the
Dortmund-Ems Canal. It is an industrial center in the Ruhr district. Its manufactures include
steel, machinery, and beer, and it is a growing high-technology and research
center. First mentioned c.885, Dortmund flourished from the 13th cent. as a
member of the Hanseatic League but later (17th cent.) declined. From the
mid-19th cent. the city grew as an industrial center. It was badly damaged
during World War II but has been rebuilt; many historic sites have been
restored. Outstanding buildings include the Reinold church (begun in the
13th cent.) and a large convention hall (Ger.
Westfalenhalle), built from 1950 to 1952. The city has
a university and a teachers college.
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