Two safe zones - one historical timeline

In the 20th century, the Định Hóa and Chợ Đồn safe zones were historical landmarks, symbols of the Vietnamese people's will for independence, solidarity, and unwavering belief in victory against a powerful enemy. Over time, these two areas, once the "capitals of resistance" and strong front lines of the revolution, continue to walk hand in hand on a new path – a path of preserving and promoting historical values ​​while ensuring sustainable development within the merged Thái Nguyên province.

People visit and offer incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, ATK Dinh Hoa historical and ecological relic site.

From the Central Headquarters to the Solid Front Line

During the years of resistance against French colonialism, the Định Hóa and Chợ Đồn safe zones were two crucial links, closely connected both geographically and strategically. While the Định Hóa safe zone served as the Central Safe Zone – where President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Party Committee, the Government , and the General Staff established their headquarters – the Chợ Đồn safe zone was a strong defensive line, housing many key government and military agencies, ensuring information and logistics for the protracted resistance war.

In December 1947, President Ho Chi Minh chose the Cho Don Revolutionary Base Area (in what is now Nghia Ta commune) as his residence and workplace to lead the resistance war. This revolutionary base area, with its advantageous geographical location and terrain, ensured the safety and secrecy of the central leadership organs of the resistance war against French colonialism.

Between 1947 and 1954, most central government agencies were located in the Cho Don ATK (Anti-French Resistance Zone), including: the newspaper Su That (Truth), the Voice of Vietnam Radio , the Radio Station, the Military Technical Department, the Military Political School, the Ordnance Factory, the Cuu Quoc Newspaper Printing Factory, the Military Surgical Station; and the banknote printing factory under the Ministry of Finance…

From late 1947 to 1954, amidst the towering mountains and forests of Viet Bac, the footsteps of President Ho Chi Minh and other revolutionary leaders were frequently imprinted on the roads connecting the Dinh Hoa Resistance Zone with the Cho Don Resistance Zone.

Important meetings and decisions of national significance were made in that space. The pinnacle was on December 6, 1953, at Tin Keo (Ding Hoa Resistance Zone), when President Ho Chi Minh and his comrades in the Central Party Politburo made a historic decision: to launch the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, leading our nation's resistance against French colonialism to victory.

The Định Hóa and Chợ Đồn ATK (Revolutionary Base Areas) are lands of deep affection and solidarity. The people of various ethnic groups here sheltered and hid cadres, shared food and clothing, and remained steadfast in their faith in the revolution. Names like Tỉn Keo, Khuôn Tát, Đèo De, Phụng Hiển, Khau Tý, Bản Ca, Nà Pậu… are not just place names, but vivid memories of a time when courage was unwavering and determination unyielding, so that: "We return to Uncle Ho along the way / Please tell Việt Bắc that we never forget Him" ​​(Việt Bắc - Tố Hữu).

After nine years of protracted resistance against French colonialism, the two ATK (Anti-French Resistance Zones) concluded their arduous years of war and embarked on a new chapter. During the resistance against American imperialism and throughout the subsequent years of rebuilding the homeland, the soldiers and people of the Định Hóa and Chợ Đồn ATKs remained steadfastly loyal to the revolution, simultaneously engaging in production and bravely defending the great rear base of the North, contributing to the overall victory of the nation.

Somewhere in every forest, every ravine, nestled along every path, and within the memories of generations of people in the ATK region, the memories, mementos, and feelings of reverence for Uncle Ho and the Party are quietly preserved, enduring like the very source of history in this place.

Ban Ca historical site, Nghia Ta commune, was the residence and workplace of President Ho Chi Minh during the resistance war against French colonialism in 1947.

Extending history - opening up the future.

Today, in the new development space of Thai Nguyen province after the merger, the historical connection between the Dinh Hoa Revolutionary Base Area and the Cho Don Revolutionary Base Area has even more opportunities to be fully recognized and strongly promoted. The Dinh Hoa and Cho Don Revolutionary Base Areas are no longer separate destinations, but are gradually forming a complex of interconnected revolutionary relics, complementing each other in terms of historical value, cultural space, and tourism potential.

From their former status as the "Capital of Resistance," these two regions are now undergoing significant transformation. Historical sites are receiving increased investment and restoration. New roads connect villages and historical sites, shortening geographical distances and bringing historical memories closer to modern life. Each year, the Định Hóa and Chợ Đồn Resistance Zones welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for sightseeing, learning, and participating in traditional activities.

Alongside the preservation of historical sites, a new direction for the two ATK (Revolutionary Base Area) zones is gradually becoming clear. Mr. Nguyen Manh Thuong, Head of the Management Board of Special National Historical Sites in Thai Nguyen province, stated: The Board will continue to propose investment in the restoration and preservation of historical sites; develop distinctive tourism products associated with each site in the ATK zones; and strengthen cooperation between the government, travel businesses, scientists, the community, and social organizations to promote the value of historical sites in conjunction with tourism activities.

Looking back over the past 80 years, the Định Hóa Revolutionary Base Area – Chợ Đồn Revolutionary Base Area is not only a sacred memory of a time of war and conflict, but is also becoming a valuable foundation for the future. In the development of Thái Nguyên province today, these two historical sites, like "two bases – one heart," continue to work together, spreading historical values, fostering pride, and opening up avenues for sustainable development.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-polit/202602/hai-an-toan-khu-mot-dong-lich-su-c1d19d4/