|
What is the climate like?
The
Garden Route has a mediterranean maritime climate, with moderately
hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the
richest rainfall areas, most of which occurs in the winter
months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian ocean.
What is the history of George?
George
is the sixth oldest town in South Africa - the first founded
under British rule - and was named after the reigning monarch
in 1811, King George III. The Outeniqua forests were the reason
the Dutch East India Company, in 1776, established a woodcutters
outpost on the site of what became George in 1811. It was
declared a drostdy by the Earl of Caledon on 23 April 1811.
George gained municipal status in 1837.
What are a few interesting historical
landmarks?
The
ancient English oak, in front of the Old Library, is one of
the original trees planted by Landdrost van Kervel when he
laid out George Town in 1811. Known as the ‘Slave Tree’ because
of the old chain embedded in the tree trunk with an old lock
attached, it is said to be the biggest oak
in the southern hemisphere and has been declared a national
monument.
St
Peter's and St Paul's is the oldest Roman Catholic Church
in the country and is found in the oak-lined Meade Street of George Town.
Built by Father Deveraux with the aid of a carpenter and some
labourers, the church was completed in 1843 at a cost of R682
($110).
for
more on George, click here
|
