Grahamstown History

• Updated: November 2015
  Winged Figure of Peace

  Graces a monument to "the Men of Albany” who lost their lives in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. The sculpture is by Stanley Nicholson Babb and Rudyard Kipling wrote the inscription. The site was chosen as one which was “in...

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  City Hall and Settler Memorial Tower

  The City Hall and Settler Memorial Tower bears the simple marble table commemorating the heroic 600 mile (960km) ride of Dick King from Port Natal to Grahamstown in 1842, which lead to the relief of the besieged British garrison...

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Bible Monument

  In April 1837, the trekker party led by Jakobus Uys was encamped just outside Grahamstown, en route into the interior. They were met by a group of British settlers from Grahamstown who presented a Dutch bible to them. The...

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  The Toposcope

  The toposcope shows directions and distances to other places in the country, paying particular attentions to historical sites within the Makana area.

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Oldest Postbox in South Africa

  Although not the oldest postbox known, this postbox might rank among the top twenty of the world’s traditional "fluted red box" survivors.

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Drostdy Arch

  This arch at the entrance to the military grounds was designed by Major Selwyn and built by the Royal Engineers in 1842. It is a National Monument and serves as a pedestrian entrance to Rhodes University and houses 2 craft/gift...

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Blaauwkrantz Bridge

  Learn more about the tragic train disaster of 1911 and visit the site. Ben Bezuidenhout provides tours to the area.

  • History
  • 046 622 6437
  • Visit Website
• Updated: November 2015
  1820 Settlers National Monument, Gunfire Hill

  The monument was built to commemorate the contributions made by English-speaking Settlers to South Africa and to encourage us to look forward to the future with hope. It is unlike any other monuments, because since its opening on...

  • History
  • 046 603 1100/12
  • Visit Website
• Updated: November 2015
  Artificers’ Square

  The old artisan quarter with many restored original houses, now National Monuments, reflect a number of 1820 Settler architectural styles. Cobbled gutters still exist between road and pavements. The wagon stones, placed at street...

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Botanical Gardens

  Restored to their former glory, the Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit. There are various paths to explore and beautiful, mature trees to view. A perfect place for a picnic or to relax.

  • History
• Updated: November 2015
  Eastern Star Gallery

  Named after the Eastern Star newspaper (printed in Grahamstown) which first appeared on streets in 1871. View printing machinery and other historical items related to printing, including John Fairbairn’s editorial desk at this...

  • History
  • Museums
  • 046 622 7042
• Updated: November 2015
  Egazini Memorial and Egazini Outreach Project

  The Egazini Memorial is one of the first township based heritage sites in South Africa. The memorial marks the event of the Battle of Grahamstown which took place in 1819. Visit the artists and crafters at the Egazini Outreach...

  • History
  • 046 637 1500