Deeply involved in the Anglo-Boer War, Newcastle today is the largest town in northern KwaZulu Natal and shares its name with a further 27 sister Newcastle's Worldwide!
Newcastle was originally known as 'Post Halt Two' - a stop on the journey from Port Natal-Durban and the then Transvaal! Whilst today's major road, the N3, between the two provinces no longer runs through Newcastle, the town is worth a visit for the battle sites just outside of town, which include: Laing's Nek, Amajuba (which also offers braai and picnic facilities) and Schuinshoogte.
There are a number of monuments and memorials in Newcastle, including: Hilldrop House. Once the dwelling place of author Rider Haggard whose books included: King Solomon's Mines; She and Jess. Rider Haggard is said to be based on his time at Hilldrop House; and O'Neil's Cottage, which was used as a makeshift hospital during the war and includes a number of grave sites. (LINK PROVIDED IN FURTHER READING).
A group led by Piet Retief had heard of the beautiful lands of Natal from hunters and traders operating out of the small trading post of Port Natal. These Voortrekkers crossed over the Drakensberg mountains and sought to settle in Natal with tragic consequences. Retief and some 80 of his men who went to the Zulu King Dingaan to seek permission to settle, were brutally murdered and their families set upon by the Zulu. Matters finally came to a head on the 16th December 1838 when the Zulu army attacked a Voortrekker Commando on the banks of the Ncome River with disastrous results! The Zulu Army was decimated and the water in the river ran red with their blood Dingaan was forced to flee and his half brother Mpande was enthroned by the Trekkers. Peace for a short time came to Natal but only until the British decided to extend their sovereignty over the new territory, bringing about clashes between themselves and the Trekkers many of whom moved back over the Drakensberg.
During the years of 1849-1851 some 5000 odd British settlers arrived in the Colony settling the Buffalo Border region and up into Northern Natal. The Colony was suddenly transformed. Permanent structures were built, land was fenced off and wagon roads were carved out. With roads came the Post Chaise and regular stops sprang up to service the travellers. One such stop was Newcastle. In 1854 a Dr Sutherland, who was to become the Surveyor General of the Colony, found himself and his new wife, trapped by the swollen river. So for the next two weeks, he spent his time setting out the township that he was later to register as Newcastle after the then Secretary for the Colonies. Strategically situated where the main road split to lead up into the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal), the town was to grow rapidly.
In 1876 with the threat of trouble from the new Zulu Kingdom of Cetswayo and the pending annexation of the Transvaal by the British the colonial authorities decided to establish a fort at Newcastle. Major Amiel and some 200 men of the 80th Staffordshire Regiment arrived in Newcastle and built the Fort now known as Fort Amiel on the high ground overlooking the drift. The fort has been rebuilt and serves as a museum. ( AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE ABOVE) It was from Fort Amiel thatJ. William Shepstone accompanied by 14 men of the Natal Mounted police set out for Pretoria and the annexation of the Transvaal in early 1877. (The fort then became an important commissariat for the troops operating in the Transvaal.)
Chelmsford Nature Reserve, with a wonderful variety of fishing, wild game and birding opportunities, as well as water sports on the dam, is just outside Newcastle. The Carnegie Art Gallery in town displays some wonderful examples of African Art, and you can arrange a tour through your choice of chemical rubber plant, pottery or textile factory with the Newcastle Publicity Association.
There is a Hindu Temple on Kirkland Street in Newcastle, with a beautifully shaped dome. There is also Snowy's on the Newcastle / Volksrust Road that sells wonderful home bakes and is renowned for its biltong!