Borkowo

Borkowo is a village in Poland, located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within Kolno County. It was founded in 1408 by Duke Janusz I of Mazovia. The village was royal property and was partly inhabited by people originating from Mazovia. Its name derives from the word "bór" (meaning "forest"), which points to the surrounding woodlands. Over the centuries, Borkowo underwent various administrative changes: it was part of the Duchy of Mazovia and, after 1526, became part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The history of Borkowo developed particularly dynamically in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the village became private property following the January Uprising. The residents of Borkowo actively participated in protests against the partitioning powers, and after World War I, the village developed further, boasting a brickyard and various crafts. Fires in 1929 and 1959 significantly impacted the architectural development of the village, leading to the introduction of modern brick buildings. Borkowo is home to numerous historical monuments, including the parish church of the Holy Trinity, built between 1923 and 1932, and a World War I military cemetery. The village also has an active Municipal Public Library and a Distance Learning Center, which offers modern forms of education. Borkowo takes pride in its volunteer fire department, established in 1918, which has played an important role in the community over the years by participating in rescue operations. In 2008, the fire department received a banner to mark its 90th anniversary, highlighting its long tradition and significance to the local community.