Arnhem, also called "Gelders Haagje", is the capital of the Gelderland province, gaining its city rights on 13 July 1233 from the abbey of Prum. In the twelfth century a toll house was established by the Count of Gelre, later moved to Lobith in 1233.

Originally the capital of the Veluwe quarter, Arnhem later became the capital of province Gelderland: historically Arnhem has been the center of government and justice. In the year 1487 the city of Arnhem was granted six guild.

Ruled by France from 1672 -1674 and again for eighteen years beginning in 1795, it was finally liberated by the Prussian army in 1813.

In the beginning of the nineteenth century Arnhem and its surroundings provided a very attractive resort area for the wealthier residents of The Netherlands, its popularity enhanced by the new rail access. In 1870 the interest began to wane, provoking the city to begin organizing a variety of exhibitions and congresses: at this time they also began to purchase land to develop the beautiful parks. Through these efforts Arnhem began to attract several productive industries, and today visitors can still enjoy these wonderful attractions.

On the tenth of May, 1940, Arnhem was taken by the Prussians, the same army that freed them from France in 1813. For five long, destructive years Arnhem was the center of the fight between the allies and Germany. The city was evacuated for months while the fighting raged, with the residents returning to the ruins of the old city center. The Eusebius Church was destroyed and many houses were badly damaged. The city was rebuilt quickly however, earning the residents a fine reputation for the quality of their post-war construction. The great Eusebius Church was rebuilt in reinforced concrete, and the large tower was erected which may be seen today.