Who built Montagu Pass?
Henry Fancourt White
Henry Fancourt White, an experienced road engineer from Australia, was in charge of the work. The pass was named after John Montagu, Colonial Secretary of the Cape in the 1840’s.
How many km is Montagu Pass?
The Montagu Pass lays claim to being the oldest, unaltered pass still in use in South Africa. This 7.4km narrow gravel road was completed in 1848 and built to replace the highly dangerous Cradock Pass.
When was the Montagu Pass built?
1848
The Montagu Pass was opened in 1848, having taken 3 years to build by some 250 convicts at a cost of 36,000 Pounds Sterling.
Is Swartberg Pass open today?
Due to rockfalls the Swartberg Pass will remain closed for the weekend….Standard Operating Hours.
| Mondays – Thursdays | 07:30 – 16:30 |
|---|---|
| Saturdays & Sundays | Closed |
Where is the Montagu Pass?
Western Cape province of South Africa
Montagu Pass is situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, on the unsigned road between Herold and George. The all gravel pass parallels the newer Outeniqua Pass which is designated as the N9/N12.
Is the Montagu Pass open?
The pass was named after John Montagu, Colonial Secretary of the Cape in the 1840s, whose enthusiasm for good roads resulted in the first ambitious program of construction in Southern Africa. It was damaged by floods in November 1996, and was closed for most of 1997. It has been repaired and is now open.
How high is Swartberg Pass?
1.583m
Swartberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.583m (5,193ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Is the R328 tarred?
Head south on the R328 for 2,3 km where the road crosses the Dorpsarivier via a concrete bridge. 216309) The road (still tarred) heads east for a further 13 km where another guest farm is reached called ‘Cobus se Gat’. This marks the southern start of the pass. The road becomes gravel after a further 2 km.
Where is Swartberg Pass located?
Swartberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.583m (5,193ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The pass is traversed by the R328 road. Climbing 1.000 metres in 12 kilometres, it’s one of the steepest passes in the country.
Where does the Swartberg Pass start?
The pass runs between Oudtshoorn in the south and Prince Albert in the north. The pass is not tarred and can be a little treacherous after rain, but has views over the Little Karoo to the south and the Great Karoo to the north.
How high is the Swartberg Pass?
| Swartberg | |
|---|---|
| Swartberg pass | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Seweweekspoortpiek |
| Elevation | 2,325 m (7,628 ft) |
Who started to build the Swartberg Pass?
Jan Tassies
History. The construction of the Swartberg pass was started under the guidance of Jan Tassies who used 100 workers from Mozambique. After 13 months he went bankrupt and also only completed 6km of the road!
How did the Montagu Pass get its name?
The pass was named after John Montagu, Colonial Secretary of the Cape in the 1840s, whose enthusiasm for good roads resulted in the first ambitious program of construction in Southern Africa. This pass was damaged by floods in November 1996, and was closed for most of 1997. It has been repaired and is now open.
Why was Montagu cut off from the trek route?
Montagu was cut off from the main trek routes due to the seemingly impenetrable nature of Cogmans Kloof, it wasn’t until Thomas Bain built the pass and the tunnel that trade began to develop the area. In 1841 Montagu was laid out on the farm Uitvlugt and in 1852 John Montagu the Colonial Secretary of the Cape visited the infant town.
When did the first school open in Montagu?
In 1841 Montagu was laid out on the farm Uitvlucht and in 1852 John Montagu, the Colonial Secretary of the Cape, visited the infant town. In 1855 the first school was opened and two years later a contract was signed for the building of a church designed by George Burkett.
When was the first Montagu banknote made?
Montagu banknotes were printed and issued from 1861 to the demise of the bank in 1868, The bank was in the building now occupied by attorneys on Bath Street. Samples of the notes are on display In 1877 Thomas Bain built the Tunnel and the new road through Cogmans Kloof.