Africa's coast was mapped out by the Portugese to find a sea route to India. Bartholemeu Dias made it around the Cape in 1488 and gave it the name Cape of Good Hope.
Vasco de Gama landed at the present day St. Helena Bay and saw the first Khoi Khoi (tanned skinned people-what they call "coloured" in 1497.
Cape Town was founded by Jan Van Riebeeck as a re-supply and layover port in 1652. He served as the first Commander until 1662. There were numerous other Commanders serving short periods - the last Commander, being as well known as Van Riebeeck, was Simon Vander Stel. Vander Stel served until 1691, at which time he became the first Governor until 1699 - retiring to his estate "Constantia."
The British took over Cape Town in 1796 as a result of the French Revolution, and in 1802 it was turned back over to Holland. Britain again took possession in 1806 and Cape Town officially became part of the British Empire after the Battle of Waterloo.
Adderly Street, originally named Heerengracht, was renamed in honor of Charles Adderly. He spoke before Parliament to stop convicts from being sent to Cape Town. Instead they were sent on to Australia.
Groote Kerk, started in 1700, was the first Christian Church in Cape Town - the mother church of the Dutch Reformed Church. It has the largest pipe organ in the southern hemisphere.
Cape Peninsula was once an island off the coast of Africa - over time deposits filled in the separation - connecting the two.
The Castle of Good Hope was once at the water's edge - Strand Street was the first street from water. Over time the water levels have dropped, giving Cape Town extra land mass. Cape Town's harbor was started in 1860.
Vasco de Gama landed at the present day St. Helena Bay and saw the first Khoi Khoi (tanned skinned people-what they call "coloured" in 1497.
Cape Town was founded by Jan Van Riebeeck as a re-supply and layover port in 1652. He served as the first Commander until 1662. There were numerous other Commanders serving short periods - the last Commander, being as well known as Van Riebeeck, was Simon Vander Stel. Vander Stel served until 1691, at which time he became the first Governor until 1699 - retiring to his estate "Constantia."
The British took over Cape Town in 1796 as a result of the French Revolution, and in 1802 it was turned back over to Holland. Britain again took possession in 1806 and Cape Town officially became part of the British Empire after the Battle of Waterloo.
Adderly Street, originally named Heerengracht, was renamed in honor of Charles Adderly. He spoke before Parliament to stop convicts from being sent to Cape Town. Instead they were sent on to Australia.
Groote Kerk, started in 1700, was the first Christian Church in Cape Town - the mother church of the Dutch Reformed Church. It has the largest pipe organ in the southern hemisphere.
Cape Peninsula was once an island off the coast of Africa - over time deposits filled in the separation - connecting the two.
The Castle of Good Hope was once at the water's edge - Strand Street was the first street from water. Over time the water levels have dropped, giving Cape Town extra land mass. Cape Town's harbor was started in 1860.
Great history lesson.
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