Note: Fredericia is a town and seaport in Vejle county commune in eastern Jutland, Denmark, with a bridge to Funen Island. Chartered in 1650, it was established as a fortified defense by Frederick III to protect Jutland, and enjoyed many privileges such as freedom from taxes and freedom of religion. The town was laid out on a grid plan to facilitate the movement of the military. It was unsuccessfully besieged by Prussia and Schleswig-Holstein in 1849. It is noted for its surviving earthen ramparts and the common grave of the city's defenders who died during the 1849 siege. The modern town serves as a military garrison and export center, and since the 1960s the base of an oil industry. It hosts Denmark's annual industrial fair. The 2004 population estimate was 37,100.