Towns and cities founded and developed in South Africa 1600 - 1900. Page1
These are only a small number of the many towns founded by the British and Boers across the country.
Towns and cities founded and developed in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape
Western Cape
Cape Town
It's the oldest city in South Africa and very much Eurocentric.It's the legislative capital and second largest city in the
country and was founded by Jan van Riebeeck on April 6,1652, when he set up a fort for the Dutch East India Company
( VOC).
VOC fort at the foot of Table Mountain
Stellenbosch
It's the second oldest town in South Africa.Was founded in 1679 by Governor Simon van der Stel.
The town has been a leading educational centre.
Swellendam
The town was founded in 1745 and named after Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife Engela ten Damme whom
he married in 1728.
Simonstown
A naval base.It's name is derived from Governor Simon van der Stel.
Tulbagh
The town was named after Governor Ryk Tulbagh.A church was built in 1743 and the village laid out in 1795 in an area
previously known as Het Land van Waveren.
Eastern Cape
Graaff-Reinet
Gem of the Karoo.Founded in 1786 and named after Governor van de Graaff and his wife Reinet van de Graaff.
Grahamstown
Founded in 1812 by Colonel John Graham.
Cradock
The town was founded in 1814 and named after Governor Sir John Cradock.
Port Elizabeth
Seaport and manufacturing city founded in 1820 and named after Lady Elizabeth Donkin, wife of Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin.
Port Elizabeth-Monument erected in honour of Elizabeth Donkin