About Graaff-Reinet
History
The town was founded by the VOC Dutch East India Company in 1786, being named after the then governor of Cape Colony, Cornelis Jacob van de Graaff, and his wife whose maiden name was “Reynet”.
In 1795 the burghers, smarting under the exactions of the VOC, expelled the Landdrost and proclaimed a republic.
Similar action was subsequently taken by the burghers of Swellendam.
Before the authorities at Cape Town could take decisive measures against the rebels, they were themselves compelled to capitulate to the British.
The burghers having endeavoured, unsuccessfully, to get aid from a French warship at Algoa Bay surrendered to Colonel (afterwards General Sir) JO Vandeleur.
In January 1799 Marthinus Prinsloo, the leader of the republicans in 1795, again rebelled, but surrendered in April following. Prinsloo and nineteen others were imprisoned in Cape Town castle. After trial, Prinsloo and another commandant were sentenced to death and others to banishment. The sentences were not carried out and the prisoners were released,
March 1803, on the retrocession of the Cape to the Netherlands.
In 1801 there had been another revolt in Graaff Reinet, but owing to the conciliatory measures of General F Dundas (acting governor of the Cape Colony) peace was soon restored. It was this district, where a republican government in South Africa was first proclaimed, which furnished large numbers of the Voortrekkers in 1835-1842.
Graaff Reinet became the centre of British military operations for the whole Eastern Cape during the Second Boer War. In 1901, a
number of captured Boer rebels were tried in the town for crimes ranging from high treason, murder, attempted murder, arson and robbery. Nine were sentenced to death, with eight of these being executed by firing squad on the outskirts of the town, while the ninth sentence was carried out in Colesberg. The Burgher Monument in Donkin Street commemorates the fallen rebels.
Geography
Graaff-Reinet lies 750 metres (2,500 ft) above the sea and i s built on the banks of the Sunday’s River, which rises a little farther north on the southern slopes of the Sneeuberge, and splits into several channels here. The Dutch Reformed church in the town is a prominent stone building in the high street with seating accommodation for 1500 people. The building is a reproduction of the Salisbury Cathedral.
The college is an educational centre of some importance; it was rebuilt in 1906. The Graaff Reinet Teachers College was closed down in 1990 after it was used as a centre for further educational training for about six years. It is now one of eleven Police training Colleges in South Africa.
Graaff Reinet is a flourishing market for agricultural produce, the district being noted for its mohair industry, sheep and ostrich farming.
Tourist Attractions
The Valley of Desolation, a geological wonder of weathered dolerite pillars which is a declared national monument with magnificent views over the Karoo plains.
The Camdeboo National Park of 200 km², on the outskirts of the town with its
interesting flora and fauna.
Stretch’s Court, a picturesque restored street of Karoo cottages with brightly painted shutters and doors.
Reinet House Museum – a Cape Dutch building, formerly the Dutch Reformed
Church parsonage
The Agave Distillery – a distillery producing tequila from the agave plant.
The Karoo architecture.
The Dutch Reformed Church in the centre of the town. This Dutch Reformed Church is the only known church in South Africa and possibly in the world to have a kitchen and a chimney.
The Drostdy Hotel – A Cape Dutch building erected in 1806 as the local seat of
Further reading and sources
Graaff-Reinet Road Committee (1857). The Graaff-Reinet Railway
(http://books.google.com/books?id=MOIiHQAACAAJ) .
Graaff-Reinet Road Committee.
http://books.google.com/books?id=MOIiHQAACAAJ.
Retrieved 2008-10-12.