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Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train... 1864. Creator: Unknown
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Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train... 1864. Creator: Unknown
Opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway: arrival of the first train at Wellington Station, 1864. This is the only considerable railway undertaking begun in South Africa, and the first that has been finished in Cape Colony. The line, which is single, and about fifty-eight miles in length, including the extension into the city at Cape Town, crosses the Cape Flats, and ascends the Eerste River valley, passing through Stellenbosch and the Paarl, and terminates at the town of Wellington, situated at the foot of Bain's Kloof Pass...The railway was opened on the 4th of November last by Sir Philip Wodehouse, Governor of Cape Colony...On the arrival of the train the volunteers, under the command of Colonel Hill, presented arms, the band played "God Save the Queen, " the cannon of the artillery thundered a Royal salute, and the immense crowd...cheered until they were hoarse. Amid the clamour his Excellency the Governor descended from his carriage and formally declared the line to be open. The numerous guests found ample accommodation in the goods shed, tastefully decorated, where an elegant repast was prepared...During the day twelve hundred persons travelled over the line without the slightest accident'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38074211
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Administrator Armaments Attache British Flag Cannon Cape Colony Ceremonial Ceremony Colonial Administrator Colony Firing Governor National Anthem Opening Opening Ceremony Patriotic Patriotism Railway Line Railway Station Railway Track Railway Tracks South Africa South Africa Africa Station Steam Locomotive Steam Train Train Train Station Train Track Union Flag Union Flags Union Jack Union Jacks British Empire God Save The Queen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous occasion in South African history - the opening of the Cape Town and Wellington Railway in 1864. The image shows the arrival of the first train at Wellington Station, with a bustling crowd eagerly awaiting its arrival.
The railway, which spanned approximately fifty-eight miles, was a significant achievement for Cape Colony and marked an important milestone in transportation infrastructure in the region. It crossed the scenic Cape Flats and ascended through the Eerste River valley, passing by towns such as Stellenbosch and Paarl before reaching its final destination in Wellington at Bain's Kloof Pass.
The grand opening ceremony on November 4th was attended by Sir Philip Wodehouse, Governor of Cape Colony, who officially declared the line open amidst cheers from an enthusiastic crowd. Volunteers presented arms, cannons thundered a Royal salute, and guests enjoyed an elegant repast in a tastefully decorated goods shed.
The success of this railway project was evident as twelve hundred individuals traveled over the line on its inaugural day without any accidents. This print serves as a visual reminder of this historic event that brought communities closer together and paved the way for future advancements in transportation throughout South Africa.
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