In 1803, the London Missionary Society extended its mission north of the Orange River among a mixed community consisting of members of a Chaguriqua tribe and ‘bastaards’ (of mixed origin) from Piketberg, and local tribes like the Koranna and Tswana.
Their leaders were Adam Kok II and Andries Waterboer. In 1813, at the instigation of Rev John Campbell, the ‘bastaards’ renamed themselves Griqua, and the place called Klaarwater became Griquatown.
Disputes between the two leaders led to the Kok faction leaving Griquatown for Philippolis and Kokstad. When diamonds were discovered the Griqua were one of the parties claiming that the Diamond Fields lay within their territory.
The Keate arbitration awarded the area to Waterboer, who immediately sought Crown protection. This led to the colony of Griqualand West, which was later to be annexed to the Cape Colony. The first council chamber of the Griqua, and the execution tree where Waterboer hanged criminals, can be seen in Water Street. Griquatown is known for its semiprecious stones, tiger’s eye and jasper. The town is a centre for stockbreeding. |
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i Tourist Information |
The Town Clerk
Tel 053 343 0019 |
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Andries Waterboer’s Grave
Two cannon, ‘old Niklaas’ and ‘old Grietjie’, gifts from Queen Victoria, are guarding his resting place.Mary Moffat Museum
The building dating from c1826, was a mission church. The museum was named after Mary, daughter of Robert Moffat, who married Dr David Livingstone. A pulpit used by Moffat, Waterboer and Livingstone, can be seen here.
Witsand Nature Reserve
See feature on Witsand Nature Reserve |
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Featured Accommodation
| 1. |  | | Wildebeest Guest Farm | | | Tel:Cell 072 124 6814 | | Guest Houses and Farms, B&B, Griquatown | |
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| 2. |  | | Holkrans Guest Farm | | Tel:Cell 083 384 1512
| | Guest Houses and Farms, B&B, Griquatown | |
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| 3. |  | | Dandyslaagte Guest House | | | Tel:05962 1131 | | Guest Houses and Farms, B&B, Griquatown | |
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| 4. | | | Griquatown | | | Tel:(053) 343 0019 | | Caravanning and Camping, Griquatown | |
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| 5. | | | Hotel Tiger Eye | | | Tel:(053) 343 0084 | | Hotels and Lodges, Griquatown | |
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| 6. | | | Little Guest House, The | | | Tel:082 676 4956 | | Guest Houses and Farms, B&B, Griquatown | |
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 | Khoisan Rock Art
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This village, on the edge of the Ghaap Plateau, was one of the earlies... read more |
 | Douglas | Location: SE
The town was founded in 1848 as a mission station on the farm Backhous... read more |
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