This Day in History: September 25, 1907
Additional Date: September 25, 1907
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'