Griekwastad: History in the Green Kalahari

Griekwastad is one of the small rural towns in the Green Kalahari that offers travellers a welcome stop along the way. Its local history opens up several clearly distinct themes: a building once used as a mission church, the first Griqua council chamber on Water Street, a historic execution tree, and objects associated with Moffat, Waterboer and David Livingstone. The history of the town’s name is also part of the story.

The Mary Moffat Museum and its history

The Mary Moffat Museum building dates from around 1826 and was previously used as a mission church. Its approximate construction date places it in time, while its former use identifies its religious function. In this way, the building’s history and its earlier use come together in a specific place. In contrast to the political and historical associations of Water Street, the building itself is the focus here.

The council chamber and execution tree on Water Street

The first Griqua council chamber is located on Water Street in Griekwastad. The historic execution tree also stands on this street, where Andries Waterboer had criminals hanged; condemned people were once hanged there. The council chamber points to the political history of the Griqua, while the execution tree marks a different, troubling part of the town’s history: past executions.

Pulpit and cannons as historical associations

Associated with the Mary Moffat Museum is a pulpit used by Moffat, Waterboer and David Livingstone. The Moffat pulpit is designated a national monument. Two cannons flank Andries Waterboer’s grave. Queen Victoria donated the cannons; they are called “old Niklaas” and “old Grietjie”. The pulpit connects several people through its use, while the cannons’ individual names and their donation are the focus. In this way, you encounter different kinds of historical associations: an object that was used and two named cannons at a grave.

The town’s name and travel planning

In 1813, the town was named Griquatown; Reverend John Campbell is associated with the renaming. Griquatown is the historical name from 1813, while the destination is called Griekwastad. The date predates the museum building’s approximate construction date of around 1826; the histories of the name and the building therefore mark two different points in time. The renaming applies to the town as a whole, while the museum building, council chamber and individual objects each represent specific aspects of its history. When planning your trip, you can consider the rural stopover in the Green Kalahari and your interest in local history as two aspects of the same destination. You can also explore the historical themes according to your interests: the naming of the town, building history, Griqua political history or individual objects. If you are looking for a hotel in Griekwastad, you can use these perspectives as context for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Victoria West, Kleinberg, Britstown, De Aar, Carnarvon, Hanover Road, Douglas, Noupoort

For the broader travel overview: Pixley Ka Seme.