 From the 1840s , the city enjoyed a period of rapid expansion beyond its traditional boundaries , becoming Denmark 's second largest city . The city gates were demolished in 1851 and soon afterwards development extended to the area south of the river . Glove production , which had begun in the 18th century , developed into one of the most important industries while the harbour facilities were further expanded . In 1853 Denmark 's first modern water and gas works were opened in Odense . Commerce was further boosted by the building of a railway across Funen in 1865 , and Odense became one of Denmark 's largest rail junctions . All this provided an ideal basis for industrialisation , attracting a wide range of industries including iron and metals , textiles , and food and beverages . Separate areas of the city were devoted to increased industrial and residential expansion , and the population of the city began to grow markedly ; by 1900 it had 35 @,@ 000 inhabitants . 
