On the Stationsplein in Zandvoort there is a natural stone monument in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Haarlem-Zandvoort railway line. Since 1881, this railway line has played a crucial role in the development of Zandvoort as a popular seaside resort. Thanks to this connection, Zandvoort became easily accessible for day trippers and tourists, which strongly stimulated tourism and the local economy.
The monument was unveiled on 3 June 1981 during a festive celebration, attended by prominent people and the grandson of railway founder Ir. Ed.JJ Kuinders. On the occasion of the anniversary, a certificate with the names of the first train passengers was placed in a wooden sleeper as a time capsule.
In 2007 the sleeper was removed due to wear and the certificate disappeared. Only the stainless steel plaque was preserved and was attached to the current natural stone monument in 2008. The plaque honors Ir. Kuinders and commemorates the impact of the railway on Zandvoort.
The monument symbolises the lasting connection between the city and the coast and the role the railway played in the growth of Zandvoort as a popular seaside resort.