Griquatown

Afrikaans name: Griekwastad

Above - Griquatown

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

Griquatown, also known as Griekwastad, was originally the site of a mission station established by the London Missionary Society in 1805.

Robert Moffat stayed in the area for a few months in 1820. His daughter Mary was born here and she went on to marry David Livingstone. The Moffat's house is preserved as the Mary Moffat Museum.

Just outside of Griquatown are the graves of Griqua chiefs Andries Waterboer and his son Nicolaas. Two cannons, named Hans and Griet, guard the graves. The cannons were a gift from Queen Victoria and were used in battles in the area.

A tree that was used for hanging cattle thieves, and other criminals, still stands.

There are San engravings at Pannetjie which is 5 km away.

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References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 292

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 57

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 172

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 143

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 328

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 346

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 121

South Africa History Online

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