The Dousberg is a place of historical value.
At the western part of the area, on Belgian territory, lies the important archaeological site Veldwezelt-Hezerwater, were remains of Neanderthal dwellings from the middle Paleolithic period (140,000 - 40,000 years ago) have been found. Bone material from mammoth, reindeer, bison, and woolly rhino were found at this site.
In 1568, during the Eighty Years' War, Duke Alva entrenched himself there to avoid a battle against the troops of William of Orange. This happening is mentioned in the 11th verse of The Wilhelmus, the Dutch national Anthem.