The oldest mention of Kralupy nad Vltavou ever known dates back to 1253. Kralupy has lived its rural life until about the middle of the l9th century when the railroad came in and inspired the first chemical foodstuffs and engineering productions. 22 November, 1902, was the date on which Kralupy acquired the status of a town. During the period of 19131960 Kralupy was district centre. The Kaučuk company commenced in 1963, drawing new labour into town through which the population reached the present level of some 18,000. The list of celebrities whose names are linked with Kralupy includes the painter Georges Kars and poet Jaroslav Seifert. Local chemist, Jan Vaněk, inspired one of the figures of Hašek's immortal Schwejk story.