| karooinfo.com |
HOW TO GET THERE (GPS: 33 13S 22 02E) From Cape Town, follow the N1 northward. At Prince Albert Road turn onto the R407 towards Prince Albert. HISTORY Like in some other parts of the Karoo, there is evidence of San or Bushmen that lived in the area in the past. The first recorded history is of a farm on loan to one Zacharias de Beer in 1762. By 1842 a church was build. A very short lived gold rush followed the discovery of gold on a nearby farm in 1891. During the Boer War a Brittish garrison was based in Prince Albert. Today, in this beautifully maintained town, a very active community plays host to large numbers of tourists. The town is a popular destination for city dwellers who have invested heavily in local properties. Agriculture still contribute largely to the local economy. ORIGINS OF THE NAME Named in 1845 after Prince Albert(1819-1861), consort of Queen Victoria. POPULATION 5,000 PLACES OF INTEREST Museum Number of Historic Buildings Swartberg Pass (See 'Special Places' under Oudtshoorn) Meiringspoort WHAT TO DO AND SEE Walking trails / Hiking Fossil Tours Mountain Biking 4x4 Routes Various working farms open to public Annual Olive festival (April/May) Annual Agricultural Show (September) ACCOMMODATION TOURISM OFFICE Tel/Fax: 023 541 1366 NEIGHBOURING TOWNS Prince Albert Road 45km Beaufort West 159km Oudtshoorn 72km Willowmore 134km 
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