The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened.

Updated: 24 Sep 2020

On 25 September 1907, the railway line connecting George to Cape Town was opened. This railway connection was a significant infrastructural development, as it allowed for the effective transport of heavier freight loads. It also allowed for easier passenger travel. Until then, the main form of transport had been wagon and ox and cart and horse. Later, the railway was extended over the Outeniqua Mountains to Outshoorn, which also allowed for a connection to the national railway network. In 1928, another railway line was added, which connected George to Knysna. This allowed for the transport of timber, which was used to make furniture and pit props for mining. This extension later became well known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, and is now a tourist attraction that still operates as an early 20th century steam locomotive. Further reading: 'The Spoornet Heritage'

How we know this

01Wallis, F. (2000) Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau
02Hopkins, B. (2007) 'Choo-Tjoe line celebrates its 100th birthday' from ;The Herald [online] Available at: www.midafricam.co.za [Accessed 20 September 2010]

Last updated · 24 Sep 2020

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened.. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011310

South African History Online (2011) 'The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened.', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011310 (Accessed: 28 October 2026).

South African History Online, The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened. [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011310, (accessed 28 October 2026).

"The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened.." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011310. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

South African History Online. "The railway line between Cape Town and George is opened.." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011310.