Ålidbacken 1.76

Tunnelbacken previously named Ålidbacken is a residential area in Umeå, Sweden. Tunnelbacken is located about 4 km from Umeå centrum. Umeå University and the University Hospital of Umeå are both located less than 1 km from the area. There are a total of 831 apartments in the area, 180 single rooms and another 70 apartments are for students.HistoryThe first inhabitants of Ålidbacken were three soldiers. They each lived in their own soldier cottage, built in 1695. The king Karl XI had imposed "Öns by" to hold the crown with the three soldiers. This sectioning of land rote number 25 was called "Harneks". The soldiers started to farm the land; they acquired sheep's and goats. These fields were called "soldier field". Such a field was located near the current backup heating plant in Ålidhem.The city of Umeå was ravaged by a large-scale city fire, called Umeå city fire, which laid most of the city in ashes. To rebuild the city, several industries were built by the river side below Ålidbacken. During the years to come a brickwork factory, a turpentine and tar factory, and two steam sawmills, "Öbackasågen" and "Umeå ångsåg", were built. In 1903 the construction of Umeå hospital began. These establishments attracted factory workers, craftsmen and trades of all kind to settle down on Ålidbacken. A variegated society with working shanties, cafes, shoemakers, shops and road carriers emerged.When I-20 was built and general conscription was instituted in 1901 the sectioning of land was phased out. "Öns by" started to split up and sell their collective land to, among other workers at "Öbackasågen". In the olden days and during the soldier time, the land at Ålidbacken was owned by "Öns by" and used it as a mountain grazing. Cows were transported from the island during the summer to graze. The women on the island rowed over every morning and night to milk the cows.