Douglas

Douglas is named after Sir Percy Douglas, Lieutenant-General of the Cape

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

The town Douglas is located on the banks of the Vaal River, and 12Km east of the confluence of the Gariep (or Orange) and the Vaal River at Bucklands, and about 15Km west from the confluence of the Vaal and Riet Rivers at Broadwaters.

Die Neus

Die Neus is at the confluence of the Gariep (or Orange) River and the Vaal River.

San rock engravings

There are about 3000 engravings and petroglyphs at Driekops Island in the Riet River, which were probably made by the San. When the river is in flood the engravings are buried by water. Most images are abstract, and perhaps are related to the San religion.

Douglas Wine Cellar

Established in 1968. The cellar produces a wide variety of table and desert wines. Visitors are welcome.

Sport

Fishing

Freshwater fishing can be done on the Vaal River

River rafting

River rafting can be done on the Orange River

Guided walks

Guided walks are offered in the area. Phone 053-298-2645.

History

A mission was established by the Reverend Isaac Hughes in 1848 on the farm Backhouse. Close to the mission, across the Vaal River, was the ford Kokounop. Here the San and Khoi-Khoi had a conflict, and the place was called Go Koo Lume (Where We Had A Hard Time) by the San. This place is in the area then under control of the Griqua. In 1867 Nicholas Waterboer, the Griqua chief, gave permission to a group of European settlers to establish the town at the ford. It became a municipality in 1905.

The town Douglas was named after Sir Percy Douglas, Lieutenant-General of the Cape Colony.

The first diamond in the Northern Cape was discovered in 1886 about 20Km south of Douglas close to the Gariep River.

Climate

Economy

Farming: Wheat, lucerne, potatoes, cotton

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