Almeida, Portugal the current name was first used, in the form of the Arabic "al-Ma'ida" ('the plateau'). The village of Almeida was captured from the Moors by the second king of Portugal, Sancho I in the 12th century because of its strategic position on the new country of Portugal's border with Spain. So important to the security of the country, Sancho had the village heavily fortified. The castle was refortified on three further occasions by King Dinis, King Manuel I and by King João VI. The present 12 pointed star fortification was constructed in 1641 to a Vaubanesque plan on which the
Pinecreek–Piney Border Crossing Pinecreek–Piney Border Crossing The Pinecreek–Piney Border Crossing connects the communities of Pinecreek, Minnesota and Piney, Manitoba on the Canada–U.S. border. It is connected by Minnesota State Highway 89 on the American side and Manitoba Highway 89 on the Canadian side. Although operated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the adjacent Piney Pinecreek Border Airport's runway crosses the international border. There is an access drive to the airport on each side of the border. Small aircraft can land at this airport from either country, be inspected by officers from the other country and if admitted, continue to fly into the other