Brief History of Cape Town

Cape Town in South Africa boasts not only a wealthy trading route; it has great environmental regions to visit on safari. The region was originally founded by Bushman and the Hottentot tribe of nomadic agricultural and hunting people. The first people of the area eventually became strong cattle farmers as they established the area now known as Cape Town.

It was not until the sixteenth century that European settlers ventured deep into the Dark Continent and settled into South Africa. Cape Town first saw Antonio de Saldanha, the first European who landed in present day Table Bay. The Dutch followed over a hundred and fifty years later, and established a port at Cape Town; since it was along Europe’s East India trading route. Also, given the diamond mines in the interior of the country, the city was a jumping off point for prospectors going inland to seek their fourtune.

Photo @hhschueller on Flickr

As trade increased, the city served as a great between point for European ships traveling from the East, loaded with goods and workers. It gave them an opportunity to unload, trade, and restock their supplies for the trip back to the European Continent. The Dutch, under the guidance of Jan van Riebeeck, built a fort as security against rogues and pirates. It still stands today, and can be seen on the point, though it is currently called the Castle of Good Hope. It was not until the Dutch established a trading post and fort at the Cape that the area was officially deemed Cape Town, or: De Kaap, in Dutch.

In the nineteenth century, Great Britain and Cape Town finally merged; however, tensions ran high as the British attempted to transform the trading post into a penal colony. In the mid-nineteenth century, the citizens of the now well established Cape Town revolted against the British, and the penal colony effort failed miserably.

Today, Cape Town still has a busy harbour. The maritime aspect of the city has never faulted, despite internal and external strife. It still houses a strong shipping industry, though it took a hard hit during the 90s when political apartheid hit South Africa. But Cape Town survived and expanded its waterfront accessibility and industry once the government policy changed.

Hire you car in Cape Town and get to know one of the most breathtaking countries of the entire world. More info can be found at car rental South Africa.