George is a city in South Africa's Western Cape Province. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. It has a population of approximately 104,700 and is the administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route. The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa.
George is a popular holiday and conference centre. Lists of holidays The words holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English-speaking countries and continents but will usually refer to one of A business conference is an event organized by an association, individual publication or Private company for the purpose of networking, education or to
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Location
The city is very centrally situated: halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and centre of the Garden Route. Cape Town (Kaapstad Xhosa: Ikapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa. It is situated on a 10 kilometre plateau between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. In Geology and Earth science, a plateau, also called a high plateau or tableland, is an area of highland, usually consisting The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's Oceanic divisions covering about 20% of the water on the Earth 's surface
Climate
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers, and mild to chilly winters. Summer is one of the four Temperate Seasons Summer marks the warmest time of year with the longest days Winter is one of the four Seasons of Temperate zones Calculated astronomically, it begins on the Solstice and ends on the Equinox It is one of the highest rainfall regions in South Africa. Rain is Liquid precipitation. On Earth it is the condensation of atmospheric Water vapor into drops heavy enough to fall often making it to Most rain falls in the winter and spring months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean. Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending on whether one enjoys a peaceful retreat during the winter months, or a bustling holiday destination during the summer.
History
STARTING AN EXISTENCE
The town of George was established as a result of the growing demand for timber and the wood used in building, transport and furniture. In 1776 the Dutch East India Company established an outpost for the provision of timber, its location is thought to be near the western end of York Street. Year 1776 ( MDCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a The Dutch East India Company ( Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC in old-spelling Dutch, literally "United East Indian As the Timber Post had its own Poshouer (Manager), some 12 woodcutters, a blacksmith, wagon maker and 200 oxen plus families and hangers on, there was already a community of sorts here. After 1795 and the British occupation of the Cape, a caretaker of the forests in the area was appointed. The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power. A cape is a type of Clothing, and can be used to describe any sleeveless outer garment such as a Poncho, but usually it is a long garment that covers only the back Then after the second British occupation in 1806, it was decided that the Swellendam magistracy was too large and so that of George Town was carved out of it. The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power. Year 1806 ( MDCCCVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common In 1811 Van Kervel was appointed as Landrost (Magistrate) and the town was proclaimed by the Earl of Caledon, governor of the Cape Colony on St George’s Day 23 April 1811 and named after the reigning British monarch, King George III. Year 1811 ( MDCCCXI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year A magistrate is a judicial officer In Common law systems a magistrate usually has limited authority to administer and enforce the Law. Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power. George III (George William Frederick 4 June 1738 George III's long reign was marked by a series of military conflicts involving his kingdom much of the rest of Europe and places George gained municipal status in 1837. A municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a City, Town, or Village, or Year 1837 ( MDCCCXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common
In early days the lives and livelihood of the people revolved around the timber industry and the rich forests in the vicinity and it remained a peaceful and sleepy place. Logging is the process in which Trees are cut down for Forest management and Timber. A forest is an area with a high density of Trees There are many definitions of a forest based on various criteria It was the dramatic improvement of communications – the roads, rail and air links eclipsing the ox wagons and coastal steamers of the last century that exposed other charms and resources of the region and resulted in unprecedented growth for the town.
Many excellent schools, a satellite campus for the University of Port Elizabeth and other tertiary educational institutions, excellent sporting facilities of world class standard, efficient medical services, a pleasant climate and friendly people make this a most attractive town. The emphasis on outdoor adventure activities and the wide range of opportunities made available by the beautiful natural assets of mountains, rivers and the nearby coastline have made George the centre of a prime holiday destination.
WOODCUTTERS: 1900 – 1940
As from 1772 there was a gradual influx of settlers intent on making a living from the forests. Year 1772 ( MDCCLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there often to colonize the area These were mostly descendants of the Dutch settlers.
After the ostrich feather slump and a severe drought in the Karoo during the early part of the 18th century, many “bywoners” found themselves without work. The Karoo (a Khoisan word of uncertain etymology) is a semi- Desert region of South Africa. Rather than stay in an arid region they crossed the mountains to find a livelihood in the forests.
Forest settlements, such as Karatara and Bergplaas (1922) were started and many of the “dangerous” working-class people from the Gauteng Johannesburg were moved to these settlements. Year 1922 ( MCMXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Gauteng (xaʊˈtɛŋ Sotho xɑ́útʼèŋ̀ is a province of South Africa. Johannesburg ( Pronounced /jō-hān'ĭs-bûrg'/ is the largest city in South Africa. They were, however, a minority group, as most of the woodcutters lived outside these settlements. A small number were descendants of British immigrants who could find no other means of livelihood. The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power. There were also a small number of Italian immigrants who had been brought to the area from Turin in 1879, as part of a scheme to start a silk industry in the Knysna area. The' Italian people' are a Southern European Ethnic group located primarily in Italy, Switzerland, France and by virtue of a wide-ranging Year 1879 ( MDCCCLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Silk is a natural Protein Fiber, some forms of which can be woven into Textiles The best-known type of silk is obtained from cocoons Knysna ( probably from a Khoikhoi word meaning "ferns" is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden It turned out to be a complete failure due to the lack of mulberry leaves. Finding themselves without work some of these Italians drifted into the forests and joined the woodcutting community. The' Italian people' are a Southern European Ethnic group located primarily in Italy, Switzerland, France and by virtue of a wide-ranging
Sons were considered to be an economic asset as, at the age of around 14 or 15, after very little schooling, they could assist their fathers in the forest. The majority of these sons eventually became woodcutters themselves.
The Forest Act of 1913 required all woodcutters to be registered. In 1939 all remaining woodcutters were removed from the forests and given a government pension. Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
TIMBER INDUSTRY
From the beginning of European colonisation in South Africa in 1652, timber and the provision of various woods was of paramount importance for the survival of the settlers. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there often to colonize the area Once forest areas near the present Cape Town were exhausted, the search for more timber continued along the coast. Cape Town (Kaapstad Xhosa: Ikapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the
The great forests of the Southern Cape were discovered as early as 1711, but due to their inaccessibility it was only in 1776 that the Dutch East India Company established a Timber Post where George is today. Year 1711 ( MDCCXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Year 1776 ( MDCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a The Dutch East India Company ( Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC in old-spelling Dutch, literally "United East Indian
Early woodcutters and their families lived in forest clearing where they evolved into a closely-knit community where intermarriage was common. A forest is an area with a high density of Trees There are many definitions of a forest based on various criteria The men were thin and wiry, but the were also tough and strong with an incredible skill in felling, sawing and handling timber. This article describes the method of execution Sawing is also a method of manufacturing
The utilization of the forest trees led to such industries as furniture and wagon making. Furniture is the Mass noun for the movable objects which may support the human body (seating furniture and beds, provide storage or hold objects on horizontal By 1910 several large sawmills had been established in the district. Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Districts are a type of Administrative division, in some countries managed by a Local government. Timber for export was transported to coastal ports by ox wagon.
Today you will find sawmills with the ultimate in modern wood technology and innovative furniture factories in the Southern Cape. Unique to this area is the age-old technique and skill of manufacturing wood furniture by hand.
HISTORIC BACKGROUND OF THE GEORGE MUSEUM
What the visitor sees in the George museum today has grown from the private collections of one man, Charles Sayers. He was the owner and long-time editor of the George & Knysna Herald, a newspaper established by his parents in 1881. Year 1881 ( MDCCCLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common With an abiding love and interest in all aspects of his hometown and its history, Sayers collected and preserved anything that was going. He had a specialist interest in old mechanical musical instruments and typewriters which today forms the nucleus of the museum’s important collections.
In 1967 he opened his “Mini Museum” to the public, housed in a single room adjoining a café in Courtenay Street. Year 1967 ( MCMLXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. The people loved it and much encouraged by local authorities he moved to the original George Town House – the administrative building next to the market square which dated back to 1847. Year 1847 ( MDCCCXLVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common By now the Sayers Museum had attracted the attention of officialdom and barely six months after the move it attained provincial museum status as a fully-fledged cultural history museum for the region, with indigenous timber and its allied industries as its main theme. The growing popularity led to another move, this time to the building, which had been the original drostdy (magistrate’s residence and office) in the young town. The original “Mini Museum” has been re-created within the present George Museum.
OUTENIQUA MOUNTAIN
Way back in 1668 the first European explorer, Hieronymous Cruse, penetrated Outeniqualand with its dense indigenous forest. The courageous pioneers who followed were entranced by the beauty, timelessness and challenge of the majestic but awesome mountains. A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there often to colonize the area The highest peak in the Outeniquas is Cradock Peak (1578 m) and the prominent George Peak is 1337 metres high.
The name Outeniqua is derived from the Khoi word meaning “people carrying bags of honey”. The slopes of the emerald-green mountains were covered with heather and swarming with bees, according to the reports left by early travellers. “Nature has made an enchanting abode of this beautiful place”, wrote the 18th century traveller Le Vaillant, when he entered the foothills of the Outeniqua range in the Southern Cape. A great deal of that enchantment and delicate beauty still captivates the modern traveller. For instance, there is the rare George lily (Cyrtanthus elatus), found near water in the deep ravines of the mountain, and a variety of ericas and proteas thrive on the fern-clothed slopes. Carpets of pink watsonias are a common sight during summer.
MONTAGU PASS
The historic Montagu Pass between George and Oudtshoorn was declared a National Monument in 1972. Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. It is open to traffic and is a good gravel road, some 10 km in length.
With many serpentine curves this magnificent pass gradually winds its way through the fynbos-covered Cradock’s Kloof until it reaches the summit. The serpentine group describes a group of common rock-forming hydrous Magnesium Iron phyllosilicate (()3 Minerals they Travelling along this fascinating route, with its natural scenery, is an unforgettable experience.
The world traveller Anthony Trollope visited George in about 1878 and his comment on the Montagu Pass was: “…equal to some of the mountain roads through the Pyrenees”, which was praise indeed. Anthony Trollope (April 24 1815 – December 6 1882 became one of the most successful prolific and respected English Novelists of the Victorian era. Year 1878 ( MDCCCLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Pyrenees (Pirineos French: Pyrénées; Catalan: Pirineus; Occitan: Pirenèus; Aragonese: Perinés Emma Murray was so enthralled by the Montagu Pass that she wrote in a letter to a relative in 1852: “One forgets everything in the beauty and grandeur of the scene. Year 1852 ( MDCCCLII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year It was to me exquisite enjoyment”.
A traveller will notice that some parts of the stone wall along one side of the road are slightly protruding. The purpose of this was to prevent the axles of the wagons from scraping against the walls and thus becoming damaged.
THE BUILDING OF THE MONTAGU PASS
The building of the Montagu Pass was a mammoth task, but a dedicated inspired team of men took up the challenge to conquer the route over the formidable Outeniqua Mountains. The Outeniqua Mountains are a mountain range located it the Western Cape of South Africa.
The Civil Commissioner of George, Egbertus Bergh (1837 – 1843), paved the way and was tireless in campaigning for a road to replace the notorious Cradock’s Pass. Year 1837 ( MDCCCXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Year 1843 ( MDCCCXLIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Then came John Montagu, the new dynamic Colonial Secretary, who cleared the public debt, recognised the importance of good roads and set the wheels rolling. John Montagu may refer to one of the following individuals John Montagu (patriarch, father of John Montagu 3rd Earl of Salisbury John Montagu
Work on the pass commenced in 1844 and H. Events By place Roman Empire The Antonine Wall is permanently abandoned O. Farrel was appointed superintendent of the project, but the task was beyond his ability. Henry Fancourt White, a qualified surveyor, newly appointed as Road Inspector by the Central Road Board, replaced him in 1845. Henry Fancourt White, (1811 Yorkshire - 6 October 1866 George) was a Colonial Assistant Surveyor from Port Macquarie, Australia Year 1845 ( MDCCCXLV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common
On average, 250 convicts were employed at any given time on the construction of the pass. They were housed in two camps; South Station, presumably on the same site where the tollhouse was later built, and North Station near the summit of the pass. The headquarters for the construction was sited where Blanco is situated today.
The total expenses for the construction of the Montagu Pass amounted to £35,799 of which no less than £1,753 was spent on gunpowder. Five and a half miles of the pass had to be blasted out of solid rock.
RAILWAY OVER THE MOUNTAINS
The building of the railway line over the Outeniqua Mountains, between George and Oudtshoorn, was a colossal task. "Railroad" and "Railway" both redirect here For other uses see Railroad (disambiguation. The Outeniqua Mountains are a mountain range located it the Western Cape of South Africa. The track was literally blasted out of solid rock, and seven tunnels were excavated.
A start on the railway line was made in December 1908 from the George side and in 1911 from the Oudtshoorn side. Year 1908 ( MCMVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year Year 1911 ( MCMXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year At one stage some 2 500 workers were employed. During April 1913 this most scenic railway line was completed. Year 1913 ( MCMXIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Sir David de Villiers Graaff performed the official opening on 6th August 1913. Year 1913 ( MCMXIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The line was built at the enormous cost of £465 000.
TOLL HOUSE
During the construction of the Montagu Pass, in about 1847, a stone toll-house, with a thatched roof, was erected on the George side of the mountain. Year 1847 ( MDCCCXLVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common According to a proclamation in the Government Gazette of 24 February 1848, a toll-gate was set up, and a tariff of tolls publicised. A proclamation (Lat proclamare, to make public by announcement is an official declaration Year 1848 ( MDCCCXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap A toll road, (also known as a tollway, turnpike, pike, or toll highway, especially if it is constructed to Freeway standards Upon payment of the prescribed fee the toll-keeper would raise the bar across the road to enable the vehicle or animal to pass.
The first toll-keeper was John Kirk Smith, born in Nottingham, England in 1818. Nottingham ( is a city in the Ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire, England. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Year 1818 ( MDCCCXVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common During 1849 he collected the amount of £400. Year 1849 ( MDCCCXLIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common 13. 8p in toll fees. His son William Kirk Smith was appointed toll-keeper in 1880. Year 1880 ( MDCCCLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year William and his son made “veldt schoens” at the toll-house for sale to travellers and transport riders. Soon they had a thriving business and J. K. Smith, grandson of the first toll-keeper, expanded this concern to Market Street in George. From this humble beginning grew the large and flourishing shoe industry J. K. Smith and Company, which was the forerunner of Modern Shoes Ltd.
Other early toll-keepers were James Scott (1852) and Charles Searle (1858). James Scott may refer to James Scott 1st Duke of Monmouth (1649&ndash1685 noble recognized by some as James II of England James Scott (1671-1732 Year 1852 ( MDCCCLII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year Year 1858 ( MDCCCLVIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common The toll-house caught fire on 23 July 1855 and the entire roof was destroyed, later being replaced with corrugated iron. Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year
In the Government Gazette dated 16 July 1867, the toll-tariffs were: Each wheel of a vehicle – two pence; Animal drawing a vehicle – one penny; Animal not drawing a vehicle – two pence; Sheep, goat or pig – one halfpenny. A penny (pl pence or pennies) is a Coin or a unit of Currency used in several English -speaking countries A penny (pl pence or pennies) is a Coin or a unit of Currency used in several English -speaking countries
All tolls were abolished on 31 December 1918, but thanks to the fact that it was declared a National Monument in 1970, this interesting relic of the last century has been saved for posterity. Year 1918 ( MCMXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
BLANCO
Henry Fancourt White, enchanted by Outeniqualand, bought a portion of the farm Modder River in 1848. Henry Fancourt White, (1811 Yorkshire - 6 October 1866 George) was a Colonial Assistant Surveyor from Port Macquarie, Australia for the town see Modder River Northern Cape for the battle see Battle of Modder River The Modder River is a river in Year 1848 ( MDCCCXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap He sold a portion to Frances Cook, who named his farm Oaklands, and subdivided the rest into erven. The little village was called “Whitesville” in honour of Henry Fancourt White, but at his suggestion the name was changed to Blanco, the Latin term for white. Henry Fancourt White, (1811 Yorkshire - 6 October 1866 George) was a Colonial Assistant Surveyor from Port Macquarie, Australia Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome.
In 1859 Henry White built a beautiful double storey thatched mansion, which he named Blanco House. Year 1859 ( MDCCCLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common In 1903 his son Ernest Montagu White renamed the house Fancourt – in honour of his father. Year 1903 ( MCMIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar or a Common year starting Today Fancourt is a National Monument and a well-known hotel.
The main route from Mossel Bay to the Langkloof passed through Blanco, where a settle ment of merchants was soon established. Mossel Bay ( Mosselbaai in Afrikaans and Dutch) lies on the southern coast of South Africa, east of the Cape of Good Hope and west Langkloof is a 160km long valley in South Africa, lying between Herold a small village north of George, and Humansdorp. The village was also the main postal centre. This caused dissatisfaction among the businessmen of George, and so a direct link from George to the toll-house was built in about 1882. Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common This road was called Bain’s Trace and was probably built by Thomas Bain, who surveyed the new route. Thomas Bain ( December 14 1834 &ndash January 18 1915) was a Canadian Parliamentarian Bain was born in Scotland
THE LAKES SYSTEM (WILDERNESS, SEDGEFIELD AREA)
The lakes originated about 20 000 years ago during the Late Pleistocene at the end of the last era of ice ages which was largely centred in the northern hemisphere. The Pleistocene ('plaɪstəsin is the epoch from 18 million to 10000 years BP covering the world's recent period Consequently, these lakes can be regarded as geologically relatively young. During that last glacial period, the sea-level dropped to about 130 m lower than at present as a result of the accumulation of ice in the northern hemisphere. Rivers then extended into the newly exposed coastal areas, cutting deep valleys into them. At the end of the last glacial period the sea-level rose again, drowning these newly formed valleys, until, after a last slight rise and fall of sea-level, a level of about one to three metres above the present level was reached some 6 000 years ago. The sea level then slowly receded to reach the present level about 4 000 years ago. The partial draining of these valleys exposed part of the coastal area, thereby forming all the present Wilderness Lakes except for Langvlei and Rondevlei. Wilderness is generally defined as a Natural environment on Earth that has not been significantly modified by Human activity The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is located in Grassy Park, a Suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Martin (1962) postulates the Langvlei could have been formed by wave erosion preceding the last rise in sea level while Rondevlei, during the same time, probably originated as a wind-deflating basin. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is located in Grassy Park, a Suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Ruigtevlei, to the east of Swartvlei, was a lake that disappeared; leaving a large area that is only inundated after floods (Martin, 1960a). During this last change (drop) in sea level, the mouth of Swartvlei Estuary moved 2 km eastward to the present position at Sedgefield, and Groenvlei lost its connection to the sea through the Swartvlei Estuary, and sand dunes now effectively covering any traces of a previous connection to the sea. Sedgefield is a large village in the borough of Sedgefield in County Durham, England.
Attractions
George has a sophisticated infrastructure with banks, conference facilities, businesses, major shopping chains including the newly completed Garden Route Shopping Centre, transport and sporting facilities, yet retaining its small town and country atmosphere of peace and tranquility. A banker or bank is a Financial institution whose primary activity is to act as a payment agent for customers and to borrow and lend money Transport or transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another Sport is an Activity that is governed by a set of rules or Customs and often engaged in competitively The town is also a major accommodation centre with a vast array of facilities on offer to suit every taste and pocket.
George is the center of South Africa's golf route, with numerous world-class courses, designed by numerous golfing greats. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Amongst these are Oubaai, Le Grande George, however, the most well-known being Fancourt Golf Estate. This course hosted the President's Cup in 2003 and is often the host to high-profile golf tournaments. The Presidents Cup is a series of men's Golf matches between a United States team and an International Team representing the rest of the world less Europe
Golf is not the only sport that attracts international attention in George. Every December, top national rugby sevens teams from around the world come to Outeniqua Park for the South Africa Sevens, one of the tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series. Outeniqua Park is a multi-use Stadium in George, South Africa. South Africa Sevens is an annual rugby union sevens tournament held in South Africa each year
George has many historical landmarks to be visited.
- The Slave Tree, an ancient English Oak planted by Landdrost (magistrate) van Kervel, known as the Slave Tree because of the very large chain and lock embedded in the trunk, has been declared a national monument. Quercus robur (sometimes considered Q pedunculata) is commonly known as the pedunculate oak or English oak. Landdrost was the title of various officials with local jurisdiction
- The King Edward VII Library building is said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in George. Edwardian architecture is the style popular when King Edward VII of the United Kingdom was in power he reigned from 1901 to 1910 but the architecture style is generally considered
The First Class School for girls was started by Miss Christina Petronella van Niekerk, a "New Age" young lady with visions for the future which were very different from those ideas held by the conservative population of George.
George is often used a base to explore Tsitsikamma National Park. The Tsitsikamma National Park is a coastal reserve on the Garden Route in South Africa.
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is South Africa's last scheduled mixed steam train service and operates on the Outeniqualand Preserved Railway between George and Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is the last remaining continually-operated passenger Steam train in Africa, currently only operating between George and Mossel Bay A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" Knysna ( probably from a Khoikhoi word meaning "ferns" is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Opened in 1928 and declared a preserved line in July 1993, this train winds its way through some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Hartenbos [1] until further notice.
The Outeniqua Transport Museum houses a large collection of steam locomotives and carriages dating back to bygone years.
The Garden Route Botanical Garden taking shape at the top of Caledon Street offers year-round opportunities to admire the brilliance of the local flora. Botanical gardens grow a wide variety of Plants primarily to categorize and document for scientific purposes The Garden Route boasts the largest continuous natural forest area in South Africa, covering some 650 km². A forest is an area with a high density of Trees There are many definitions of a forest based on various criteria Marketable timber is harvested from 20% of the State forest. Lumber or timber is Wood in any of its stages from felling through readiness for use as structural Material for Construction, or Stinkwood, named for its unmistakable odour when freshly cut, is highly prized by the furniture industry, as are white pear, hard pear, ironwood and assegaai. The most sought after timber is the Outeniqua Yellowwood (Podocarpus falcatus). Afrocarpus falcatus, commonly known as the Sickle-leaved Yellowwood (formerly also Outeniqua Yellowwood; syn
Churches
Pacaltsdorp Church is the oldest in the George district, completed in 1825. Year 1825 ( MDCCCXXV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common The Norman-style church has thick stonewalls and features a tall square tower topped by battlements. A battlement, (also called a Crenellation) in defensive Architecture such as that of City walls or Castles comprises a Parapet Across the road the little mud house in which the first missionary, Charles Pacalt of the London Missionary Society, lived after arriving in 1813. The London Missionary Society was a non-denominational Missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans and Year 1813 ( MDCCCXIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common
The Dutch Reformed Mother Church was consecrated in 1842 after taking 12 years to build with its 23 metre domed tower and 1 metre thick walls. Dutch Reformed Church (in Dutch: Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk or NHK was one of many branches of churches coming out of the Protestant Reformation in Europe Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common It was constructed by a supervisor and a number of skilled slaves who continued to work as 'apprentices' after the emancipation of slaves in 1834. Year 1834 ( MDCCCXXXIV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Completed in 1843, St Peter & St Paul Catholic Church in Meade Street is the oldest Catholic Church in South Africa. Year 1843 ( MDCCCXLIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common St Mark's Anglican Cathedral, designed by Sophy Gray and built in 1850, attained cathedral status in 1911. Sophy Gray or Sophia Gray ( 5 January 1814 - 27 April 1871) was a Diocesan administrator artist architect horsewoman and the wife It was the smallest cathedral in the southern hemisphere until extensions in 1924-25. The nave is the oldest section. Its most distinctive feature is the number of stained glass windows in relation to its size.
Education
George is the tertiary hub of the Southern Cape, with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, together with a number of private colleges, offering a variety of first choice courses. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU is a South African Tertiary education institution with its main administration in the coastal city of Port College ( Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an Educational Institution.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), offers two centers of excellence – Saasveld, known as the Centre for Renewable Resource Management and Hurteria (York Street Campus), known as the Centre for Business and Information Technology studies.
Schools include the Afrikaans-medium George High School established in 1947 and Outeniqua High School established in 1923. George High School, also known as George Secondary School (Afrikaans George Sekondêre Skool is an Afrikaans-medium school in George, a town in the Western The English medium school is York High School and there is also a double medium technical school named PW Botha College. York High School may refer to York High School (York, York England York High School (George, George South Africa York
Transport
Road: George is 420 km from Cape Town along the N2 national road in an easterly direction, or 330 km from Port Elizabeth in a westerly direction. Cape Town (Kaapstad Xhosa: Ikapa) is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the
Rail: There is no scheduled passenger service to George. Rovos Rail and the Union Limited however offer vintage train trips to the Garden Route. Rovos Rail is a private railway company operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, South Africa. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train offers leisure rides between George and Knysna. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is the last remaining continually-operated passenger Steam train in Africa, currently only operating between George and Mossel Bay
Air: George Airport (IATA code GRJ), situated approximately 7 km from the city centre, has scheduled flights to Cape Town International Airport, Durban International Airport and Johannesburg International Airport. George Airport is an airport located in George South Africa. In 2004 the airport served 199000 passengers up from 154000 in 2003 Cape Town International Airport (CTIA ( Afrikaans: Kaapstad Internasionale Lughawe) is an Airport in Cape Town, South Africa Durban International Airport, formerly Louis Botha Airport is located in Durban, South Africa. OR Tambo International Airport is a large Airport near the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
Local government
The Executive Mayor is Bazil Petrus, and the Executive Deputy Mayor is Philip H de Swardt, both of the Democratic Alliance. The Democratic Alliance (DA is a liberal South African political party and the official opposition to the ruling African National Congress.
Sister cities
Sources
External links
( Foochow Romanized: Hók-ciŭ EFEO: Fou-Tcheou also seen as Foochow, Fuchow, Fuh-chau or Hokchew in earlier WesternDapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic