1854
- The Xhosa 'cattle killing' phenomenon started, leading to the deaths by starvation
of tens of thousands of Xhosa. To survive many of them were forced into indentured
labour in towns like Cradock
1864 - 65 - After a period of extreme hardship
caused by drought among other things, Cradock enjoyed a building boom. A new Town
Hall, Municipal Offices and Council Chambers were built. The first cricket match
was recorded at Cradock.
1867 - Diamonds were found at Hopetown setting
off a diamond rush. Cradock saw many foreigners passing through, and many from
the district were drawn to the diamond fields
1868 - The new Dutch Reformed
Church was completed. A major feat of design, building and community support,
it is admired by all who see it.
1872 - Communications improved enormously
as the telegraph line to Port Elizabeth was linked to Cradock
1874 - In
Cradock a great flood took place doing huge damage to houses on the banks of the
Great Fish River and washing away the new bridge.
Rocklands Girls School opened.
1877
- Gaicka-Galecka War (9th Border War) broke out and the Cradock Volunteers formed
up again.
1879 - British Army defeated the Zulus at the Battle of Ulundi
in Natal; The Morosi Mountain campaign ended in Basutoland.
1879 -The Basuto
War broke out and the Cradock Volunteers mobilised.
1881 - The eagerly
awaited railway line from the south opened amid much jubilation and festivity.
.
1886 - Gold is discovered on the Witwatersrand and the gold rush led
to further migration from the country areas. Schools closed and smaller towns
gradually lost impetus.
1894 - Rising tension is reported between the Dutch
(Afrikaans) and English speaking communities. Up until this time there were many
reports of amicable co-existence, but trouble looms
1896 - The Rinderpest
cattle epidemic swept across the country decimating herds
1899 - Start
of the Anglo Boer War, with terrible consequences for South Africans of all communities
and colours.
1902 - Anglo Boer War ended. Population of Cradock- 3062 'Europeans'
and 4604 'Non-Europeans' Most of the Flemmers had moved away from Cradock
1914
- Electricity finally arrived!
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