Queenstown: The Hexagon and Frontier History

Queenstown’s history can be explored through a variety of landmarks: the Hexagon, the Old Market Building, and the collections at the Frontier Museum. The hexagonal layout was originally created to defend the settlement and was later used as a marketplace. The Hexagon, with its fountain and garden, was declared a National Monument. The Old Market Building stands on its western side; it is also a National Monument and is now home to the Business Plaza Complex.

The Hexagon and the evolution of its use

The Hexagon has had two distinct uses over time: first, its layout served a defensive purpose; later, the space functioned as a marketplace. This sequence makes its shape more than a geometric feature: it shows how the same place served different purposes in different periods. The fountain and garden are part of the Hexagon, which was declared a National Monument. Its use as a marketplace describes one function of the place, while its monument status refers to another aspect. If you are interested in how settlements develop, the Hexagon offers a concrete comparison between its original purpose and its later use.

Frontier history at the Frontier Museum

The Frontier Museum features a reconstructed and furnished frontier cottage. The museum grounds are also home to a steam locomotive built in Great Britain in 1921. In 1947, it pulled the royal family’s train during their visit to Queenstown. The cottage and locomotive offer different points of interest: one is a reconstructed and furnished dwelling, while the other is notable for its origins, year of construction, and a specific historical use. The dates mark different milestones: 1921, when the locomotive was built, and 1947, when it was used during the royal family’s visit. This distinguishes the vehicle’s creation from its later role.

The Old Market Building and its present-day use

The Old Market Building offers a different kind of historical reference point from the Hexagon. It stands on the Hexagon’s western side, was declared a National Monument, and now houses the Business Plaza Complex. At the square, you can compare its original defensive purpose with its later use as a marketplace; at the building, its historic designation and present-day function sit side by side. These raise different questions when considering the two sites: How did the use of a square change, and what function does a building declared a National Monument serve today?

Queenstown as a frontier town at the Komani Museum

The historical section of the Komani Museum offers a broader perspective than individual buildings or collection items. A 1978 museum guide describes it as presenting the development of Queenstown as a frontier town, as well as that of the surrounding districts. This perspective extends beyond a single building or vehicle to focus on the development of the town and its districts. The difference in scale can help you choose a historical subject: the Hexagon and the locomotive represent specific places or objects, while the account described in the museum guide offers a broader context. If you are interested in the town’s development within its regional setting, this focus offers a different perspective from the history of a single building or exhibit.

Discover more destinations: Molteno, Cradock, Middelburg.

Back to the main travel overview: Chris Hani.