Fort Murray Ruins - Reminder of a Tumultuous Past
Like most regions in South Africa, the history of King Williams Town is shrouded in clashes and wars over land. In 1846, the Seventh Frontier War, also referred to as the Seventh Xhosa War or War of the Axe, erupted near the Amathole Mountains. Except for museum artifacts and documents, not much else in King Williams Town today suggests that fierce battles were ever waged here. However, on the outskirts of the town, on the Buffalo River, one reminder can still be viewed: Fort Murray.
After the war, the British constructed a fort on the river banks, in the year 1848. Unfortunately, the fort suffered damage through the years, with only the ruins remaining on the site as a memorial to those who fought in the wars. Fort Murray has been declared a national heritage site and is one of King Williams Town’s most noteworthy attractions, as it is a part of its political and military heritage.
User Comments & Reviews
2009-09-01 19:10:42
I visited the Fort Murry Ruins on 30/08/2009 and was shocked to see in wat condition this National Heritage site were in . Plastic bags and 5litre plastic cans were strewn all over this "National Heritage Site". This could be a great attraction to tourists but surely not in its present condition. Can be a great oppertunity for job creation just cleaning this wonderfull site. The Fort Murray bridge is also in urgent need of attention. The Buffalo river below the bridge is overgrown with water hiesinth
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