Riversdale (E 17)

Name: Riversdale

In 1667, a mere 15 years after Jan van Riebeeck landed at the Cape, a young corporal in the service of the Dutch East India Company, Hieronymus Crüse, was sent on an expedition across the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, to explore the country afar a field as possible. He returned two years later on a similar expedition. Twenty years later Izak Schrijver led the next expedition, and made friends with the chief of the Hessequas (Koi tribe) Chief Goukou. Several barter expeditions followed in the ensuing years.

In the meantime the area known as the Overberg was slowly inhabited by farmers. By 1727 five cattle outposts were established in the area. Jurgen Potgieter was the first on the farm “De Plattekloof”. Other farms followed: Assegaaibosch, 1728; Welgevonden, 1730; Hollebak, 1733; Doornkraal and Zeekoegat in 1746. The farm Zeekoegat was a milepost on the road to the East. In 1778 Governor van Plettenberg visited the farm on his trip, while in 1803 Commissioner De Mist and Dr. Lichtenstein also stayed there. In 1815 the Rev. Latrobe described it as one of the most beautiful farms along the Garden Route. It was one of the resting places of Sir Harry Smith in 1815 while on his epic journey to the Eastern Frontier.

When the population of the area increased the need for a church became evident. At this stage the church ceremonies were conducted by Dr. Robertson, minister of the Swellendam Congregation. On 10 June 1837 it was decided by Dr. Robertson to appoint the ”Onafhanklike Godsdienstige Gesticht” (independent church society). At a meeting on 7 July 1837 it was decided to buy the farm Doornkraal, for use as a “church farm”. The old farmhouse was converted into a church and the rest of the farm was divided into plots, and were sold. On 5 February 1838 the church was inaugurated and the need for a name for the community arose. Sir Harry Rivers, Civil Commissioner of Swellendam, was approached for his permission to name the town Riversville after him. He declined and suggested that Riversdale would be a better name for the town. On the 30th August 1838, Riversdale was proclaimed a town.

Riversdale's ideal location gives it the advantage of being within a few
kilometres of seaside towns such as Still Bay and Witsand and also an excellent base for one-day trips
to explore the variety of natural beauty, interesting places, charming 19th century restored houses,
breathtaking hiking trails and exquisite mountain scenery with activities such as 4x4 routes,
abseiling alongside waterfalls, horseback safaris, hang gliding, fishing and water sports.

Nestled at the foot of the Sleeping Beauty mountain peak - a well-loved landmark which never fails
to capture the imagination -Riversdale has earned its name of the Floral Paradise of the Garden Route
because of the abundance of indigenous flora - referred to as Fynbos - which covers the
mountains and surrounding areas. This floral rainbow is in full bloom
throughout the winter months.

http://www.riversdaler.co.za/

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