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Queenstown is the main centre of the Lukhanji Municipality and lies at the foot of the dramatic Hangklip Mountain. The town was founded by the then Governor of the Cape Sir George Cathcart in February 1853 and was named Queen’s Town after Queen Victoria. A unique feature of the town is the fact that the centre of the town is a hexagon from which six streets radiate, this was designed as a defensive measure during the War of Mlanjeni.
Queenstown is the main centre of the Lukhanji Municipality and lies at the foot of the dramatic Hangklip Mountain. The town was founded by the then Governor of the Cape Sir George Cathcart in February 1853 and was named Queen’s Town after Queen Victoria. A unique feature of the town is the fact that the centre of the town is a hexagon from which six streets radiate, this was designed as a defensive measure during the War of Mlanjeni. The area was occupied by the Cape after the War of the Axe, Queenstown being established to consolidate those gains.
The Lukanji area and the surrounding regions have an interesting history. The original Khoi San people were joined by AmaThembu people in the 18th Century. Over one hundred years later people of European origin began to move into the areas between the Amathole Mountains and the Black Kei River, and after the War of the Axe this occupation was formalized. Wesleyan Missions were founded at places such as Kamastone Lesseyton, Oxkraal and Imvani. The latter mission was abandoned during the War of Mlanjeni. There was also a Moravian Mission at Shiloh to the south of Queenstown near the town of Whittlesea. After the War of Mlanjeni colonial rule was further extended to the Stormberg Range. During the Apartheid years the Bantustans of Transkei and Ciskei were granted their nominal “independence”, and Queenstown was situated in a so called “White Corridor” between the two Bantustans. The town which was always the major centre for the area which was well known for its stock farming and educational institutions, now also became a manufacturing and trading centre.
Queenstown today remains the major centre of the region and is surrounded by a number of game farms and nature reserves. The nearby Bongolo Dam is well known for its watersports. The area is very beautiful and scenic.
Source: Courtesy Eastern Cape Tourism Board - www.ectb.co.za
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