Already in the 14th century there were two branches: the ‘Dode Leie’ (Dead Leie) and a straight stretch (‘Wael’ and ‘Achterwael’). The Dead Leie is probably the oldest river arm and was part of its original meandering. The straight line, the ‘Wael’ and ‘Achterwael’, may be of artificial nature, dug by human hands before 1300. Man always has been trying to adapt the course of the river to its needs. During the construction of the fortresses of Montigny (1578), the water of the Leie was used for the supply of the moat around the remparts. Also in the construction of the Vauban fortresses (1679-89) and the construction of the Dutch fortresses (1817-30), the Leie marshes were used to create artificial flood zones. During the 19th century, the trail of the Border-Leie remained almost unchanged and few improvements were achieved. After the First War, one canalized a part to ameliorate shipping. In 1920 a new section was dug so the ships hadn’t to sail through the town anymore. In the 1970s the old Leie-course was filled in and transformed into a park area (Oude Leielaan). At the end of the 1980s, the course of the Leie was changed again. The river was deepened and straightened. Thus, an island of 40 ha. (largely on French territory) was formed. The old Leie course with the old locks is has been turned into one continuous recreation area with marina. Try to spot the old quay walls and the remaining cast iron docking poles, the traces of the old locks, in front of and near the new cultural centre. The city museum, tourist office and museum café are housed in 't Schippershof, a restored building from the late 17th century. When it was next to today's Leie, it was a inn where skippers could stay, eat and drink while waiting at the lock The museum collection includes two themes: 'Menen occupied' (the military history of the border city and the establishment of the fortresses) and a collection of art by local artists. Have a walk on the old Leie, from the city museum to one of the casemates.