Queenstown

Afrikaans name: Queenstown

Main street in Queenstown

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Eastern Cape

Queenstown was founded in 1853 and was named after Queen Victoria by Sir George Cathcart.

The surrounding area is a major farming district. The cattle and sheep raised raised here are known for their dairy, beef, wool and mutton products.

One of the things that Queenstown is known for is its beautiful gardens. It is sometimes referred to as the 'Rose Capital of South Africa'. These gardens include Walter Everitt Sunken Gardens and the Memorial Gardens. The Berry Reservoir is a peaceful spot to have a picnic.

Other places of interest in and around the town include the Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve, Longhill Nature Reserve and the Bongola Dam. Hikers will enjoy the two hiking trails that start from Berry Reservoir. The Town Hall was built in 1882 and features a clock tower that was added in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The Frontier Museum houses many interesting exhibits from bygone eras. There are also memorials to the people who have lost their lives in wars.

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Above - Queenstown in located in a beautiful part of the country

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Queenstown War Memorial 1899-1902

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Memorial to the men who died on the battlefields of Europe

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Queenstown Post Office

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - St Michael & All Angels Anglican Church (1882)

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Wesley Methodist Church (1880)

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Dutch Reformed Church (1924)

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 220

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 82

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 160

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 164

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 282

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 176

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 140

For more info: Eastern Cape Info

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