The district was created in 1975 when the former districts of Kleve and Geldern were joined with the towns of Emmerich and Rees from Rees District and the municipality of Rheurdt from Moers District .
Coat of arms
The coat of arms, which was granted in 1983, combines the shields of the two oldduchies.
The heraldic dexter side which is their right, your left if facing the shield has the emblem of the dukes of Cleves: On a red (gules)field a white (argent) escutcheon (small shield shape) with an eightfold fleur-de-lys (escarbuncle/metal shield reinforcement). The sinister side which is their left and your right shows a golden lion on a blue background. Tcrehis was the emblem of the dukes of Geldern.