Towns and suburbs

Matjiesfontein

matjiesfontein

History

Province: Western Cape
Karoo
Coordinates:33°13′S 20°35′E
Area:1.22 km2
Municipality: Laingsburg

Matjiesfontein: The Grand Duchess of the Karoo

Matjiesfontein, fondly known as “The Grand Duchess of the Karoo,” was established in 1884 and boasts a rich history that intertwines with South Africa’s railway heritage. Situated along the Cape Town to Kimberley railway line, which later extended to Johannesburg, Matjiesfontein became a significant stop after the station’s construction in 1878. What began as a small farm and depot evolved into a historic town, largely due to the vision of its founder, James Douglas Logan.

James Douglas Logan: The Visionary Behind Matjiesfontein

James Douglas Logan, a young Scottish gentleman, arrived in South Africa in 1877 after being shipwrecked in Simons Bay. Starting as a porter at the newly built Cape Town station, Logan quickly advanced within the Cape Railway Company, eventually becoming the superintendent at Touws River. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a farm between Touws River and Matjiesfontein, which he named Tweedside. There, he drilled boreholes, planted fruit trees, and discovered a plentiful subterranean water supply. Logan ingeniously constructed water pipes to transport this water to the village and even established a private railway station on his farm to facilitate efficient fruit transportation.

Matjiesfontein’s Milner Hotel and Military History

In 1899, Logan built the Milner Hotel, which played a crucial role during the early part of the Anglo-Boer War as a military hospital. At the height of the war, 10,000 troops were stationed in and around Matjiesfontein. Logan’s forward-thinking made Matjiesfontein the first village in South Africa to feature both electric street lights and water-borne sewerage, marking it as a pioneer in modern amenities.

A Health Spa Destination

Logan chose to settle in the Karoo for its dry air, which benefited his weak chest. The village later developed into a fashionable health spa, attracting guests worldwide for its reputed healing environment, particularly for those with respiratory diseases.

Innovations and Legacy

In addition to his other achievements, Logan also established a mineral water factory, producing lemonade, ginger ale, and soda for locals and travellers alike. James Logan, the founder of Matjiesfontein, passed away in 1920 and was laid to rest in a small cemetery 10 kilometres from the town.

Today, Matjiesfontein stands as a testament to Logan’s legacy, drawing visitors to its historic charm and the storied past of “The Grand Duchess of the Karoo.”

The postcode for Matjiesfontein is 6901 (Boxes only)

Nearest towns  Laingsberg, and Touws River

Things to see and do in Matjiesfontein

  • Mountain Biking:  a 20km mountain biking track with beautiful views of the Witteberg Mountains.
  • Bus Tour Take a historical tour around Matjiesfontein in an old red double-decker London bus. Be summoned to dinner by trumpet, soak up the history in the Transport or Victorian museums, take in the uniqueness of the Karoo with veld walks, hikes and mountain bikes, visit the Boer War British Army remount encampment site (c.1900) nearby,
  • StargazingThe Great Karoo region has very clear skies,that offer spectacular star-gazing
  • Old post office Olive Schreiner posted her numerous letters from this PO. Now a gift shop
  • Visit the Transport museum
  • Visit the Victorian museum
  • Take a free  guided walking tour with Voice Map
  • The pink church- Originally the school and concert hall
  • The cricket pitch- The first official game played at the opening of the waterworks in November 1889
  • The old bank building The African Banking Corporation opened chambers here in June 1897
  • Courthouse- The 1901 trial and conviction of Boer hero General Gideon Scheepers took place here
  • Flourmill and mineral waterworks- Steam locomotives needed 300l of water and 75kgs of coal for every km travelled which is over 250,000l of water just to cross the Karoo!
  • British Army remount camp- In front of the railway station
  • Wind farm
  • Turck se pas

WEATHER IN MATJIESFONTEIN TODAY

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: Laingsberg 023 551 8200
  • Municipality; 023 551 1019
  • Traffic department: 023 551 1021
  • Fire: Laingsberg 023 551 1019
  • Water: 023 551 1019
  • Electricity: 023 551 1019
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; post agency 023 551 3002
  • Library: 023 551 1019
  • Closest hospital; Laingsberg Clinic 023 551 1390
  • SPCA: Laingsberg diere in nood 0827305597/071 419 5977/0840750241
  • Schools: Matjiesfontein LB primary school 023 561 3027
  • Museums; Marie Rawdon museum; 023 561 3011
    Transport museum; 023 561 3011

Local Listings