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A. History
Siaogang, formerly known as Gangzihcian, got its name for its location by Fongshan Harbor, on the southern bank of Kaohsiung lagoon. In 1920, Fongshan Harbor became so silted up that large vessels could no longer enter it, which is why it was renamed Siaogang—a small harbor.
Siaogang was developed in as early as the Dutch rule period. The Dutch constructed Hongmao Harbor to embrace the bay area with its counterpart Anping Harbor.
During the Ming-jheng period (the late Ming Dynasty), Siaogang belonged to Wannian County. Wu Yan-shan, a subordinate officer to Jheng Cheng-gong (Koxinga), established a settlement here. During the Cing Dynasty, Siaogang belonged to the administrative region of Fongshan Li, Fongshan Jhuang, Fongshan County. Then Fongshan Li was divided into two smaller Li’s. During the Japanese colonial period, as administrative regions were remapped, it then belonged to Fongshan Siaogang Jhuang, Fongshan jhihting. Under Siaogang Jhuang were 15 tribes, including Siaogang, Erling, Darengong, Dianzihhou, Yanshueigang, Jhonglinzih, Fongbitou, Dalinpu, Hongmaogang, Jhongdacuo, Kongdizih, Cihcongjiao, Jhongkuo, Dapingding, and Erciao. In 1945, as all Jhuang’s were renamed into villages and townships, Siaogang Village was put under the administrative region of Kaohsiung County. On July 1 as Kaohsiung City became a municipality, Siaogang Village was merged into Kaohsiung City and renamed as Siaogang District.
Siaogang District is located in the southeastern part of Kaohsiung City, bordered by Daliau Township to the east, Linyuan Township to the south, Fongshan City to the north, Cianjhen District to the northwest, and the Taiwan Strait to the southwest. With Fongshan Hill on the east side and sea on the southwest, Siaogang is endowed with natural beauty. Siaogang District covers an area of 39.8573 km2, approximately a quarter of Kaohsiung city area. There are 38 li’s and 697 lin’s in Siaogang District. Most of the residents in Siaogang used to rely on fishing and farming for livelihood but with the construction of a new harbor, Linhai Industrial Park, and Kaohsiung International Airport, as well as the location and expansion of China Steel, China Shipbuilding Corporation, China Petroleum Corp. (CPC), and Taiwan Power, the population in the district has increased and its economic activities changed from fishing and farming to employment in the secondary sector. In recent years, the area has developed into an important transportation and industrial hub.
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