The Great Fire of 1869
Origins and spread The fire was first spotted on 1 February 1869 burning in the Meiringspoort area of the Swartberg Mountains, in the Klein Karoo. The whole subcontinent had been…
Category: 1860 to 1872
ON THE MERITS OF THE IRON WAY: A Word to the Citizens of Cape Town
Written by Jane Silberbauer The Cape Chronicle, July 1860 It has long been the custom of this journal to concern itself with matters of substance rather than of fashion, and…
“Power to the Cape: Molteno Takes the Helm as First Prime Minister in Historic Shift from Imperial Rule”
CAPE TOWN — In a moment that may redefine the future of governance at the southern tip of Africa, John Charles Molteno has today assumed office as the first Prime…
Cape Colony Granted Responsible Government: A Milestone in Colonial Self-Rule
By Our Political Correspondent, London London, 23 November 1872 — In a landmark development for British colonial policy in southern Africa, the Cape Colony has today been granted full responsible…
To the Esteemed Readers of the Cape Chronicle
Cape Town, 4 June, 1871 To the Worthy Inhabitants of Cape Town, and to our Esteemed Subscribers, Friends, and Patrons, It is with a heart oppressed by sorrow, and with…
The Cape is not ready for Self-rule
The continued agitation for Responsible Government threatens the very foundations of order in this Colony. While we do not deny the virtues of self-rule in mature societies, the Cape is…
The Opening of the Alfred Basin
Cape Town — It is with no ordinary satisfaction that we record the completion and opening of the Alfred Basin, a work of considerable magnitude and lasting utility to this…
A FORTUNE IN THE DUST: THE WONDROUS DISCOVERY OF DIAMONDS IN OUR INTERIOR
By Our Special Correspondent I write to you from the banks of the mighty Orange River, where the sun beats mercilessly upon a land once deemed fit only for hardy…
MELANCHOLY MARINE CASUALTY AT THE BREEDE
THE STEAMER KADIE ASHORE AT THE RIVER MOUTH Breede River Mouth, Saturday, 18th November, 1865 Yesterday morning a scene of uncommon excitement and melancholy presented itself at the entrance to…
The Cape Has Lost One of Its Greatest Sons
John Fairbairn Passes Away Cape Chronicle – 6 October 1864 Cape Town awoke yesterday to sorrowful news. On the 5th of October, 1864, Mr. John Fairbairn, one of the Colony’s…
Grand Opening of the Cape Town to Wellington Railway Marks New Era for the Colony
Cape Town, 5 November 1863 — Yesterday, on the 4th of November, the Cape Colony witnessed a momentous occasion that promises to transform commerce, travel, and the very progress of…
Roman Rock Lighthouse Officially Opens, Guiding Ships Safely into False Bay
Simon’s Town, 17 September 1861 After four arduous years of construction beset by the unforgiving elements of False Bay, the Roman Rock Lighthouse was officially illuminated last night, casting its…
Appointment of Sir Robert Wynyard as Governor of the Cape
Cape Town—It has been officially announced that Major-General Sir Robert Henry Wynyard has been appointed to assume the office of Governor of the Cape of Good Hope. His appointment, confirmed…
Sir George gets the boot!
Cape Town, 1861 — Sir George Grey currently stands at a pivotal moment in his distinguished colonial career. Once the admired Governor of the Cape Colony, the energetic administrator now…
CAPE CLAIMS THE PENGUIN ISLANDS
Governor Grey extends the Queen’s dominion over a chain of Atlantic islands CAPE TOWN — 12 AUGUST 1861 A significant proclamation has been issued today from Cape Town which extends…
To the Good People of the Cape Colony
Concerning The Cape Chronicle and the Cause of its Establishment By William Foster Cape Chronicle Proprietor & EditorCape Town, 1861 To the merchants of Adderley Street, the farmers of the…
POSTAGE STAMPS LOST IN THE CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE!
Cape Post Office Driven to Extraordinary Measures — Valuable Consignment Said to Have Been Lying in Cape Town for Months CAPE TOWN, February 1861. — Special Report A most extraordinary…