slump in fortunes in 1885; the town’s misery was compounded when it The Village of Oudtshoorn was originally laid out in 1847 on the farm Hartebeestrivier, and was established by the Dutch Reformed Church as a kerkplaats (church farm) in 1853. By the turn of the twentieth century the use of prime ostrich feathers in ladies clothing was high fashion, especially in England and Europe. In addition to rearing livestock, they cultivated wheat and barley, made wine and brandy, and grew tobacco as well as a variety of soft fruit. During September 1847, following the "urgent wishes of [his] neighbors", C.P. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Ostriches have been used for hundreds of years by the San for their meat and eggs. [38][39], Oudtshoorn is the start of the Route 62 wine route. [11], Owing to overproduction, the ostrich industry experienced a sudden slump in fortunes in 1885; the town's misery was compounded when it was hit by severe flooding during the same year, which washed away the nearby Victoria Bridge, which had been built over the Olifants River only the year before. [citation needed], Oudtshoorn and De Rust are managed by Greater Oudtshoorn Tourism, whose tourism office is centrally situated in Voortrekker Road, next to the CP Nel Museum. In the early years, water was transported to the town in barrels, which were sold for sixpence per bucket. [9] A severe drought in 1865 persuaded many of the settlers to move to the Transvaal. Click here to learn more or control your settings. [10] The main reason for the surge in Oudtshoorn's prosperity was the ostrich, whose feathers had become fashionable accessories among European nobility. 1880-1914. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. 70.9% of the population described themselves as "Coloured", 15.3% as "White" and 12.5% as "Black African". Within 30km of the town, there are several interesting attractions, including the world-famous Cango Caves, one of the world's leading show caves (be sure to book ahead for a tour).

Rock Art is found on many private farms in the area, giving us a glimpse into the history and religion of the original settlers in the area. The pioneer farmers in the area that would be known as Oudtshoorn arrived in the 1750s, and became well-established in the area by the end of the 18th century.

Oudtshoorn, town, Western Cape province, South Africa. It was named after Baron Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn who came to South Africa in 1741 and was appointed Governor of the Cape in 1772. It is defined as a semi-desert area with a unique and sensitive natural environment.

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