|
1488 -
|
September. Diaz sails into Bahia da
Lagoa (Algoe bay). On his quest to find a sea route
to the East, or to find the fabled Christian monarch
of Prester John. |
|
|
1497 -
|
December. Vasco de Gamma sails into
Algoa bay. |
|
|
1576 -
|
January: Manoel Perestrello visits
Alogoa Bay on coastal survey. |
|
|
1647 -
|
June 1: The Sacramento goes ashore
at Cape Receife. |
|
|
1669 -
|
Visit of Dutch East India Company
officials to the bay. |
|
|
1690 -
|
January: The Noord in Algoa Bay. Commander
reports unfavorable. |
|
|
1752 -
|
February 27: Sailors from the Nécessaire
marooned about Humewood, happy valley, after attempting
to find fresh water.
May 12-14: Ensign Beutler's Expedition in Port Elizabeth
Area. Beacon erected at the mouth of the Swartkops
river and Shark river |
 |
|
1755 -
|
July 17: Wreck of the Doddington off
Bird Island. |
|
|
1756 -
|
February 16: Doddington survivors
sail for Delagoe Bay in ships they constructed from
the wreckage. |
|
|
1768 -
|
October: J.W. Cloppenburg at Swartkops
River. |
|
|
1772-3 -
|
Thunberg at Algoa Bay. |
|
|
1775 -
|
December: Sparrman in Eastern Cape,
visits Swartkops saltpan. |
|
|
1776 -
|
Farms in area settled. Theunis Botha
at Buffelsfontien. Thomas Ingnius Ferreira at Papenskuilsfontien.
JohannesWilhelm van Staden at Coega.
November 16-18: Swellengrebel in neighbourhood of
Algoa Bay. |
|
|
1778 -
|
January 15-20: Col. Robert
Jacob Gordon in vicinity of present Port Elizabeth. |
|
|
1779 -
|
January: William Paterson at Swartkops
River. |
|
|
1782 -
|
Le Vaillant in neigbourhood of Algoa
Bay.
December 4: Grosvenor survivors reach Papenkuilsfontein.
One been William Hubberly |
|
|
1783 -
|
January: Grosvenor survivors meet
Commdt. Mulder. |
|
|
1785 -
|
May 2: The Pigot lands sick men, taken
to Potgieter's farm. (Prof. Rennie believes they
were landed at Kromme Bay). |
|
|
1786 -
|
Founding of Graaff Reinet. |
|
|
1792 -
|
May: Bantu invasion of area. |
|
|
1797 -
|
Sir John Barrow at Alga Bay. |
|
|
1799 -
|
May 2 & 8 British troops landed
at Algoe Bay. Joined by Vanderleur and troops coming
overland. Star Fort built. General Dundas joins
Vandeleur.
August 9: More troops landed. Bantu attack Star
Fort.
September 20: Battle of Algoe Bay. Blockhouse erected
at Baakens. Fort Frederick commenced. |
|
|
1801 -
|
Samuel Daniell. artist, at Algoe Bay. |
|
|
1802 -
|
September 10: Conference of General
Dundas and leaders at Fort Frederick on withdrawal
of troops. Thomas Ferreira occupies Fort Frederick.
van der Kemp and is converts take refuge at Fort
Frederick. |
|
|
1803 -
|
Bethelsdorp granted to Van der Kemp
for mission settlement. Postal service to Uitenhage
and Algoa Bay commenced.
April: General Janssens stations detachment of Waldeck
Regiment at Fort Frederick.
May 8: General Jassenes arrives at Fort Frederick.
July: Garrison under command of Captain L. Alberti.
|
|
|
1804 -
|
January 6: Commisaris de Mist at Fort
Frederick. |
|
|
1806 -
|
March 1: Captain Cyler and British
Troops take over Fort Frederick |
|
|
1810-11 -
|
Frederick Korsten established himself
at Algoa Bay as merchant, farmer and owner of whale
fishery. |
|
|
1811 -
|
December 11 Death of Dr J. van der
Kemp at Cape Town |
|
|
1812 -
|
January: Korsten acquired Papenkuilsfontein,
renamed Cradock Place after Sir John Cradock. |
 |
|
1814 -
|
William Burchell traveling in Eastern
Cape |
|
|
1815 -
|
Farm Welbedacht granted to A.M. Muller.
Piet Retief granted land in present Summerstrand
area.
September: Emerald Hill granted to John O'Neal. |
|
|
1816 -
|
Piet Retief granted "garden ground"
(just beyond present Albany Road). W.D. Jennings
granted land extending from garden ground to boundary
of Cradock Place. Post Office established at Uitenhage,
serving also Algoa Bay. |
|
|
1817 -
|
Catain F.Evatt Assunes command at
Fort Frederick. Col. Cuyler landdrost at Uitenhage.
December 15: Wreck of the Amsterdam near mouth of
Swartkops river |
|
|
1818 -
|
Land near Baakens river granted to
John Berry |
|
|
1819 -
|
Lalande, French Naturalis, at Cradock
Place. Korsten's "Uitenhage Packet" enters
Swartkops. Four of Korsten's ships wrecked near
Baarkens during storm. |
|
|
1820 -
|
April 9: First Settler ship Chapman
arrives in bay. H.M.S. Menai (CaptainMoresby) Present.
April 18: First parties of settlers move off. Gruney's
party from deal settle at mouth of Zwartkops.
June 6: Arrival of Sir Rufane Donkin. Gives town
its present name. Orders erection of memorial to
his wife. Foundations of Captain Moresby's house
laid. Rufane Vale granted to Captain Moresby. Hartman
occupying farm in present Russell Road - Albany
Road area.
October Papenbiesiesfontein (South End) granted
to Gerhardus Oosthuizen. |
|
|
1821 -
|
Post Office Estblished in Port Elizabeth.
Five more settler ships arrive. Piet Retief buys
Erf No.1 (Union Castle Corner) from Captain Evatt
(Piet Retief already owned Erf No.2) Chelsea Farm
sold to J.D. Ward. (Formerly Captain Evatt was allowed
use of the farm. |
|
|
1822 -
|
Old blockhouse repaired and used as
prison. Grffins Hawkins compiles list of inhabitants.
Thomas Sterley appointed constable.
April 27: Korsten granted 3 year lease of Bird and
St Croix islands for seal catching.
|
|
|
1824 -
|
Mosenthal's business established in
Port Elizabeth. Toll bar erected at North End. Harbour
Master appointed. Captain Francis. Port Elizabeth
becomes a magistracy. Captain Evatt appointed government
resident with powers of magistrate.
May 25: English declared official language
|
|
|
1825 -
|
Rev. F McClelend appointed Colonial
Chaplain. Subscription list for erection of Anglican
church started. Foundation stone of St Mary's laid.
British silver declared legal tender. |
|
|
1828 -
|
Chaka's ambassadors and Lieut. King
at Cradock. Col. Cuyler resigns as landdrost. First
service in union Church. Retief sells Gomery Farm
to W.B. Frames. Houghham Hudson appointed magistrate
in Port Elizabeth.
April 1: Sterley's appointment as constable officially
approved.
|
|
|
1829 -
|
A.H.Board buys Moresby's Rufane Vale
estate.
January: Captain Scorey erects flagstaff for use
of port.
|
|
|
1830 -
|
Rev. Adam Robson commences ministry,
Bethelsdorp. |
|
|
1831 -
|
Korsten commences wool farming. Erection
of McCleland House. Streets of Port Elizabeth named.
Cora Terrace built 1831-1834.
December 2: Captain Evatt marries Anna de la Harpe.
St Mary's Church opened for worship.Rev. A.Robson
leaves Bethelsdorp to take charge of Union Church.
W.A.Harries, artist born.
March : Meeting called to consider building jetty.
|
|
|
1834 -
|
Captain Scorey leaves sea to run Scorey's
Hotel (Markham).
November Special beacon erected at Cape Receife
for ships.
|
|
|
1835 -
|
Captain J.E. Edwards lands in Port
Elizabeth, sets up defences against possible Bantu
invasion. Bouy placed over Roman Rock. Sir Benjamin
D'urban visits Port Elizabeth. H.G. Dunsterville
appointed Harbour Master.
July 23 - December 7: American Board Missionaries
at Betheldorp.
December 31: Captain Evatt granted plot next to
No 7 Castle Hill House Erected later.
|
|
|
1836 -
|
Sir Benjamin D'Urban visits Port Elizabeth.
April 13: Port Elizabeth declared free warehousing
port.
September: John Owen Smith erects flagstaff for
use of port.
|
|
|
1837 -
|
Wreck of the Feejee.
March 9: Wreck of the Maria.
October: Building of jetty started round wreck of
Feejee.
|
|
|
1838 -
|
November - December; Rev. Francis
Owen living at No 7 Castle Hill. |
|
|
1839 -
|
Wesleyan minister, Rev, J.Edwards
appointed. Building of Queen Street. Wesleyan Church
commenced. Joshua Kemp in business, acting goaler.
June 16: death of Frederick Korsten. |
|
|
1840 -
|
New post office at foot of Castle
hill. Ship Hope plying between Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth. Dramatic Society creates Lyceum, Henry
Street.
April 10: Foundation stone of land end of jetty
laid. A. Geddes writes" Ode to a Jetty".
Special celebrations for 20th anniversary of landing.
May 20: Dom Pedro, dismasted, arrives in Algoa Bay.
On August 10 her cargo is sold and the wreck beached. |
|
|
1841 -
|
Jetty is Completed. Wesleyan Church
Completed. Dr. Livingstone passes through Port Elizabeth.
June 11: John Paterson arrives to take up duties
as schoolmaster.
December 8: School Committee formed. |
|
|
1842 -
|
Lord Auckland and sister visit Cradock
Place.
August 7: Wreck of the Sabina. |
|
|
1843 -
|
Main Street frontage of St Mary's
plot sold to William Smith for £181.Chas and
W.Geard arrive. Foundation if Port Elizabeth Cricket
Club.
July 26. Foundation stone of Commercial Hall laid.
August 23. Storm, 4 Vessels wrecked, two wreck destroy
jetty. |
|
|
1844 -
|
Port Elizabeth News society founded.
Algoa bay Cricket Club.
April 10. Special settler celebrations.
September 14. Martin Beresford arrives in Port Elizabeth.
|
|
|
1845 -
|
May 7. Eastern Province Herald founded.
December 23. First horse races held. |
|
|
1846 -
|
John Niblett at Theescombe farm.
January. Wm Ring starts subscription library and
loans newspapers.
April 11. First censes of Port Elizabeth.
October. M.Leger, photographer at Port Elizabeth.
Assisted by Wm ring. |
|
|
1847 -
|
January. Port Elizabeth bank opened.
February 3. Wreck of the Thunderbolt.
September 30. Bishop Grey at Port Elizabeth.
October 21. Wn Ring Declared insolvent.
December 3. Election of Board of Commissioners.
December 14. Sir Harry Smith arrives in Port Elizabeth.
December 16 to 17. Elections of Wardmasters. F.O.Hutchinson
Town Clerk. |
|
|
1848 -
|
W.H.Harris, Member of Legislative
Council. Wm Higgins, Town Clerk. Mechanics Institute
built. Joseph Reid succeeds John Paterson as Head
of Senior Government School.
February 18. Thomas Baines arrives in Port Elizabeth.
September. Mansby life saving mortar equipment obtained.
September 7. First issue of the Port Elizabeth telegraph.
October 2. Public Library opened in Commercial Hall.
|
|
|
1849 -
|
Anti-convict agritation. Robert Pinchin,
government surveyor.
March 3. Chamber of Commerce founded.
November 7. John Paterson marries Frances Mary Kemp. |
|
|
1850 -
|
Henry Fancourt White posted to Port
Elizabeth. White's road constructed. Sea wall commenced.
Dr Nathaniel Rubidge in Port Elizabeth.
March 21. Death of Captain F.Evatt.
May 7. J.R. Phillip publishes first number of "The
Mercury"
June 29. E.P. Herald ceases publication.
September 14. John Paterson publishes first number
of "E.P. News". |
|
|
1851 -
|
Wm Passmore, Town Clerk. Frames's
woolwashery established at Shark's River.
April 18. Cape Receife ligfhthouse brought into
commission. |
|
|
1852 -
|
J.C.Kemsley, Town Clerk. Baakens
bridge rebuilt by H.F.White.
August 10. Farewell dinner for Captain Harrington
of the of the Phoenix.
October 15. George T. Kemp, John Paterson's partner
dies.
November 28. First Bird Island lighthouse comes
into commission.
December. Thomas Baines in Port Elizabeth. |
|
|
1853 -
|
Commercial Bank of Port Elizabeth
founded. Church erected in Main Street.
July 10. Death of Rev. F. McCleland.
September 1. Postage stamps first used. |
|
|
1854 -
|
John Paterson and H.F. White elected
to first Parliament. S.F. Innes Town Clerk. Fire
destroys Post Office and Harbour records. Queen's
Street Baptist Church built.
January 3. E.P.News changes its name to E.P.Herald.
April 15. Death of Clo. Cuyler.
July 1. Wm Deacon appointed gaoler.
September 20. Wreck of the Charlotte. October 21.
Foundation stone of St Pauls laid. |
|
|
1855 -
|
Sir George Grey visits Port Elizabeth.
Grace Street mosque built. |
|
|
1856 -
|
Wm S.Armstrong elected to parliament.
First breakwater commenced. Smallpox hospital established
in valley. J. Brunton, Photographer, in Jetty Street.
Commercial Hall taken as court house. Library moves
to Kemp Street.
January 17. Grey Institute foundation stone laid.
June 4. Port Elizabeth Divisional Council established
by law.
August 22. Port Elizabeth Volunteer Rifle Corps
founded.
September. Port Elizabeth divisional Council elected.
September 10. Rodney Street Hospital opened. |
|
|
1857 -
|
F.O. Hutchinson, Town Clerk. Town
Breakwater completed. E.P.Herald sold to George
Impey. P.E. Turf Club founded. P.E. Foxhound Club
founded.
August. Trinity Church founded (c/o Baakens Street
and Military Road).
November 1. Flood, Baakens Bridge swept away. |
|
|
1858 -
|
W.M.Harries elected to Parliament.
St Mary's Church enlarged. Clairmonte's store, Main
Street and Kemp Street, burned down. Lyceum theater,
Henry Street sold. Special passenger cart service.
Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, started. Death of
William Fleming.
October 18. Foundation stone of Town Hall laid.
|
|
|
1859 -
|
J.R. Phillips elected to Parliament.
Papenbiessiesfontien (South End) sold in lots. First
bridge over Swartkops opened. Last public execution
North End goal. Redhouse becomes known by that name.
New hospital, Richmond Hill, taken over. Volunteer
fire brigade set up.
February 1. Grey school formally declared open.
March 9. P.E. Cricket Club granted present Crusader
Ground.
April 14. Grey Institute High School opened.
October. Gale force winds, 6 vessels wrecked.
October. Post Office moved seaward side of Market
square.
November 17. Port Elizabeth Volunteer Artillery
Corps founded. |
|
|
1860 -
|
William Smith, Mayor. Joshua Cawood
and C.L. Stretch. M.L.A.'s for Port Elizabeth. Port
Elizabeth Incorporation Bill passed. J.S.Kirkwood
takes over Rodney Street Hospital as Auction rooms.
Birch's shop opened. James Daly arrives in Port
Elizabeth. Built houses wit Irish names on Prospect
Hill. New North End goal built.
Febraury. Port Elizabeth converts to Moronism leave
for Salt Lake City.
August 6. Landing of Prince Alfred. P.E. Volunteer
rifle Corps renamed Prince Alfred's Guard.
October 1. Library takes rooms in Town Hall.
December. First Town Council elected. William Smith
. mayor. |
|
|
1861 -
|
Presbyterian leave "New' Church
. Hold service in Grey Institute.
January 1. Port Elizabeth becomes a Borough.
January 2. First meeting of Port Elizabeth Town
Council. January. First pillarbox erected.
March 18. Death of Lt. James Craig, V.C.
June 1. North End market opened. Port Elizabeth
brought into use
November 1. Theater opened in Commerce Street Sefton
Parry's company performs.
December. Thomas Bowler in Port Elizabeth. |
|
|
1862 -
|
Town Hall completed. Gas Company
formed. Hospital extended.
April. Arm breakwater (shield) commenced.
June 2. New Theater, White's Road opened. Serfton
Parry's company.
June 16. Foundation stone of new Holy Trinity Church
laid.
October 13. Standard Bank registered.
December 31. Telegraphic service, Between Port Elizabeth
and Grahamstown, started. |
|
|
1864 -
|
J.C. Chase and M.H. Benjamin, M.L.A's
for Port Elizabeth. St Augustine's Church commenced.
Gas first supplied to City. Port Elizabeth Chamber
of Commerce founded. Port Elizabeth agricultural
Society formed. Frames dam on Shark River, supplies
water to Port Elizabeth. German Company of P.A.G
formed.
July 26. Port Elizabeth Public Library Act of Incorporation
passed. |
|
|
1865 -
|
Matthew E. Kemp. Mayor. John Miller,
M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. Hill Presbyterian Church
opened. P.E. "Advertiser" founded. |
|
|
1866 -
|
John Miller, Mayor. Joseph Reid and
William Knight, M.L.A's for Port Elizabeth. St Augustine's
Church opened. Port Elizabeth illuminated by gas.
February 13. First Port Elizabeth tug boat the St
Croix arrives. April 6. First service in new Holt
Trinity Church. |
|
|
1867 -
|
Swartkops convict station built.
May 14. Wreck of the Balaclava.
November. Holy Rosary Convent School opened.
November 19-20. Floods, Harbour silted up. Breakwater
becomes useless. |
|
|
1868 -
|
Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Divisional
Council's dispute over tolls. |
|
|
1869 -
|
April. The "Great Eastern" passes
Port Elizabeth.
August. Death of Dr N. Rubidge.
September 19. Gale force winds, 11 vessels wrecked,
including tug St Croix. Demolition of breakwater
(completed in 1879). |
|
|
1870 -
|
North Jetty built. H.W. Pearson,
M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. St George's Park opened.
August. Death of Rev. Adam Robson. |
|
|
1871-
|
H.W Pearson Mayor. Second tug Koodoo
arrives in Port Elizabeth.
September 28. Cobb's coach service started. |
|
|
1872 -
|
Reclamation of Driftsands started.
Tower added to Holy Trinity Church.
June 6. Turning of first sod for railway.
November 28. Wreck of the Anne Marie at Swartkops.
|
|
|
1873 -
|
John Paterson. M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth.
Aegis Assurance and Trust Co. founded. Second Bird
Island Lighthouse erected.
October 16. First train leaves Port Elizabeth station
for North End.
November. Thomas Baines in Port Elizabeth. Lecturers
and sells paintings to Library. |
|
|
1874 -
|
H.H. Soloman, Mayor. T. Wormald Town
Clerk. William Hume, M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth.
Collegiate High School for Girls founded.
July 14. Announcement of failure of Codd's Coach
Company. |
|
|
1875 -
|
Standard Bank building erected.
March. Scottish Company of P.A.G. formed.
April 19. Wreck of the Jupiter T.
September. JA Forage in Port Elizabeth.
September 2 Port Elizabeth to Uitenhage railway
opened.
October. famous Jewel theft case tried at Court
House.
October 30. Foundation of St Peter's Church Laid.
|
|
|
1876 -
|
H.W.Pearson, Mayor. J.S. Kirkwood,
M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. Rawson Bridge overSwartkops,
swept away in floods. Van Staden's reseroir completed.
January 21. Arrival of the tug Koodoo.
April 18. Foundation stone of Western Road Synagogue
laid.
May. Marist Brothers High School founded.
May. Presentation of clours to P.A.G.
May. Captain Disney Roebuck's theatrical company
in Port Elizabeth.
July 6. "Observer" founded.C.J.Barber,
cartoonist.
November 24. P.A.G. disbanded.
December 15. Death of J.C. Chase. |
|
|
1877 -
|
Drinking fountains installed round
base of obelick. Steinman's Hotel burned down (cnf
Russell road and Queen street). New bridge over
Swartkops started. Western Road Synagogue consecrated.
Sir John Coode'splans for harbour.Skating rink erected
in Rink Street. January. P.A.G. re-formed.
October 4. Detachment of P.A.G. leaves for Galeka
War.
Qctober 23. Death of Dr G. Dunsterville.
December 2. Battle of Umzintzani. |
|
|
1878 -
|
Samuel Bain. Moyor. W.P. Pinn. Town
Clerk. Wm Savage, M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. Port
Elizabeth Divisional Council Mounted Police established.
January O'Donnell-Wigman lawsuit.
February 4. P.A.G. returns from operations.
May 24. Death of Freeman Cobb. April Grammar School
re-opened.
July. Cape St Francis lighthouse put into commission.
July 12. Wreck of the Petronella. |
|
|
1879 -
|
Port Elizabeth Tramwayy Company formed.
January 16. Death of Mrs. Elizabeth Robson.
February 5. Detachment of P.A.G. relieves British
troops at Kingwilliams Town for service against
Zulus.
April 28. P.A.G. detachment returns to Port Elizabeth.
June 5. "Cape Hornet" commences publication.
September 27. Wylde Bridge over Swartkops river
opened.
November 29. Last number of " Cape Hornet". |
|
|
1880 -
|
Deutsche Liedertafel built. H.W.Pearson
Mayor, M.L.A. and Colonial Treasurer. Post Office
moved to corner of Main And Jetty Steet. Sale of
lots, Westbourne Road- Eastbourne Road- Albany Road
area.
May 14. John Paterson drowned.
September 5. First supply of water from Van Staden's
dam.
September 15. Building of Drill Hallbegins.
September 25. P.A.G leaves for service in Basuto
War. (4th Service Detachment). |
|
|
1881 -
|
J.C. Kemsley, Mayor. H.B. Christian.
M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. Horse-drawn tram service
started.
January 3. 5th Service Detachment leaves for Basuto
war.
January 10. P.A.G. at Battle ot Tweefontein.
February 13. P.A.G. at battle of Wittekoppies.
February 19. 4th Service Detachment P.A.G returns
to Port Elizabeth.
May 15. 5th Service Detachment P.A.G returns to
Port Elizabeth.
September 3. Consecration of St Johns Church, Walmer.
September 25. Pearson St Congregational Church opened.
October 2. Native location riots.
November. Founding of P.A.G. Rocket Brigade.
December 16. Gale. Wreck of Albatross and Liberace.
P.A.G. Rocket Brigade in action for first time. |
|
|
1822 -
|
H.W. Pearson Mayor. J.A.Holland tower
erected on Town Hall. First telephone exchange in
South Africa at Port Elizabeth Post Office. Parliament
votes for building of Port Elizabeth jetty. Toll
gate rights sold to private parties. February 17
Drill Hall opened. June General Gordon in Port Elizabeth.
September 12 Conservatory opened in St George's
Park. |
|
|
1883 -
|
May General Gordon again in Port Elizabeth.
July 30 Patrick O'Donnell, killer of James Carey,
brought ashore and imprisoned. Preliminary trial
in Port Elizabeth Court House. |
|
|
1884 -
|
James Brister, Mayor. C.T. Jones,
M.L.A. for Port Elizabeth. St Cuthbert's church
opened. Erica School for Girls established. New
South Jetty completed.
|
|
|
1885 -
|
Hallack & Girdlestone's cycle
ride to Cape Town.
December. Industrial Exhibition in Port Elizabeth. |
|
|
1887 -
|
January 7 Death of James Langley Dalton,
V.C.
June 21. Celebration of Golden Jubilee of Queen
Victoria's reign. |
|
|
1888 -
|
Custom house erected ( other sources give 1882).
January. Major Deare resigns command of P.A.G
July. TheTweed demasted, towed into Port Elizabeth
and beached.
August 30 Gale force winds drive 7 ships assore.
Rocket Brigade in action.
|
|
|
1889 -
|
H.W. Pearson , Colonial Secretary.
March 12. First Cricket test match in South Africa
started at the Crusader Grounds.
|
|
|
1890 -
|
James Brister, Mayor. Josep Storr Lister commences
his work of reclaiming drift sands area. Rodger
Ascham arrives in Port Elizabeth as organist at
Holy Trinity, Music teacher to Collegate School.
September First golf club founded
|
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|
1891 - 1894
|
Humewood area acquired from harbour
board some time between 1891 and 1894. |
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