The history of Uedem goes back to the 5th century when Frankish nobleman Udo started a settlement in the area. In 866, the first official mention of "Odeheimero Marca" appeared.[citation needed] with Uedem gaining town privileges in 1359.
In November 1614, the Treaty of Xanten was signed in Cleves, dividing some of the territory around Uedem.
From 1794 onwards, the First French Republic occupied the city of Uedem, with them revoking town privileges to the city in 1798. The occupation ended in 1814 with the First Peace of Paris.
After the Nazi takeover in 1933, Uedem fell under the administrative control of Gau Essen. Bombing during World War 2 destroyed parts of Uedem, but the city has since recovered. After the war, Uedem became a center for Bundeswehr operations, and since 1993 has hosted the NATOCombined Air Operations Centre Uedem.[3]