Białowola Explained

Białowola
Settlement Type:Village
Total Type: 
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Voivodeship
Subdivision Name1:Lublin
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Zamość
Subdivision Type3:Gmina
Subdivision Name3:Zamość
Coordinates:50.65°N 39°W
Pushpin Map:Poland
Pushpin Label Position:bottom

Białowola is a village in the administrative district of Gmina Zamość, within Zamość County, Lublin Voivodeship, in eastern Poland. It lies approximately 8km (05miles) south of Zamość and 830NaN0 south-east of the regional capital Lublin.[1]

History

The first mention of the town was made in the census of 1564 as Biała Wolia. It was founded in the first half of the 16th century, by Nicolas of Leipzig, a member of Clan Korczak and nephew of Dymitr of Goraj. In 1631 the town was sold to the Zamoyski family, whereupon it was incorporated into the possessions of the Zamoyski magnate.

World War II

During the Nazi occupation of Poland, several nearby villages were colonized by ethnic Germans. Though well-guarded by German soldiers, colonists were nevertheless attacked often by Polish militia groups. The Nazis retaliated against any group found to be aiding and abetting the militias.

After an attack in the nearby village of Lipsko, Nazi soldiers looted Białowola in retaliation for rendering aid to the guerillas. 51 people were killed, including 22 women and 12 children aged 8 months to 10 years.[2]

Today a monument exists at the site of the mass grave. Its inscription reads:

The Nazis went on to kill 14 more residents during the course of occupation.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Central Statistical Office (GUS) - TERYT (National Register of Territorial Land Apportionment Journal) . 2008-06-01 . Polish.
  2. Book: Fajkowski . Józef . Religa . Jan . Zbrodnie hitlerowskie na wsi polskiej 1939-1945 . 1981 . Wydawnictwo Książka i Wiedza . Warsaw . Polish . 444–445 .