In the middle of the 19th century, many people from the Bergisches Land left Hitdorf harbor to emigrate to America. The place was first mentioned 500 years ago as a Rhine port: A gravel bank in front of Hutdorp forms a natural barrier, so that ships sailing upstream have to be unloaded. As goods transport and handling frequency continue to increase as a result of industrialization, the port experienced its heyday with more than 200 employees, and a match and cigar factory settled here. There has been a marina with two yacht clubs since 1975.