Hopetown
Geography and History
Hopetown is situated in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Hopetown came into being in 1850 when Sir Harry Smith extended the northern frontier of the Cape to this mighty river. A handful of settlers claimed ground and by 1854 a rough frontier town had mushroomed up and a church had been built.
Hopetown lies at the edge of the Great Karoo on an arid slope leading down to the Orange River. The Bushmen called this The Great River, "Nu Gariep", as it carries 23 per cent of the total water run -off of South Africa to the sea.
The first diamond discovered in South Africa was found at Hopetown. It was the 23,25 carat Eureka, and soon after its discovery the 83,5 carat Star of Africa was found nearby. It was the discovery of this second diamond which started the South African diamond rush.
Hopetown serves the surrounding fruit, stock, wheat and potato farms
Activities
The Gazella Game Reserve, on the banks of the Orange River, provides sanctuary for gemsbok, eland, kudu and springbok.
The ultimate outdoor experience in the vicinity includes white water rafting, game-viewing, bird-watching and hiking.
33 Church Street - A cutting mark from the ‘Star of South Africa’ was made on a window here to test its authenticity.
Battle of Belmont - Memorials and information panels are part of the N12 Battlefield Route.
Blockhouse - At Orange River Station.
Concentration Camp Cemetery - On the Kromhout Landgoed, Doornbult.
Convict Stone - For lack of a holding cell in the old magistrate’s building, convicts were secured to this stone.
Old Wagon Bridge - Predates the Anglo-Boer War, when one span was dropped and subsequently restored.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Hopetown includes B&B’s, Guesthouses, Farm Stays, Camping and Self Catering.
Hopetown Tourism Office
Information
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Telephone: |
+27 (0)53 203 0008 |
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