Drostdy Africana Museum - Uitenhage's Past
Known today as the Garden Town, Uitenhage started life as a farming community which came about after a number of 18th century settlers decided to settle in the Swartkops River Valley. It was De Rietvallei, a farm belonging to the Scheepers, which eventually became the site of what is known today as the town of Uitenhage. Today this beautiful little town is filled with lush gardens and landscaped areas, despite its sometimes overwhelmingly hot weather during the summer months. It has also grown somewhat from a small farming community to a thriving commercial and industrial area. Situated only 30 kilometers from the coast – roughly half an hour drive from Port Elizabeth – Uitenhage is able to draw on the harbor in Port Elizabeth for a variety of goods and materials.
Though Uitenhage started life as a farming community, it was officially founded in 1804. It is named after J.A. Uitenhage de Mist who was Commissioner General at the time. The town really started to thrive in 1875 when a railway line between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage was built. Interestingly enough, there was a signalman at the Uitenhage station in the 1880s who lost both his legs in an accident. As a result, he was unable to pull the signal levers at the station and he was in danger of loosing his job. In order to keep his employment, he trained a baboon named Jack to pull the signal levers for him. The baboon remained his faithful co-worker for nine years until he died. This is just one of the interesting aspects of Uitenhage’s history which can be learnt about when visiting the city. A great place to go to learn more is the Drostdy Africana Museum in Uitenhage.
The Drostdy Africana Museum is located in Caledon Street, Uitenhage. It is an African museum which specializes in the history of the city and is probably one of the best places to go if you are visiting the town. After learning all about the city’s history, you can visit the Volkswagen Museum which is also housed here. The Volkswagen factory at Uitenhage is probably the single most important manufacturer in the town and the museum is dedicated to its contribution to the city. After an interesting day of museum exhibits, you can take in a meal at the restaurant or a light bite of food at the tea room before finishing your day with a drive around the town. The Drostdy Africana Museum is open from Monday to Friday between 10am - 1pm and 2pm – 4pm. Make it a part of your visit to Uitenhage.