Caledon History

History of Caledon

The history of Caledon stretches back a few centuries when the Khoi-Khoi people first discovered the iron-rich hot springs on the slopes of the Swartberg, long before Europeans arrived in the Cape. 

Once the settlers began developing infrastructure in the Overberg, these warm mineral springs became particularly renowned. Like other hot springs in South Africa, the thermal pools in Caledon are not related to volcanic activity and are free of organic matter.

In 1710, Ferdinand Appel erected a building for visitors to stop in and enjoy the curative waters. Many would travel from near and far to relax in the baths. Eventually, a bathhouse was built in 1797, and soon a village named Swartberg sprang up around this attraction. It was later renamed Caledon in honour of the first British governor of the Cape (1806 -1811) and 2nd Earl of Caledon, Du Pre Alexander (1777 -1839).

In 1811, the farming community around these Swartberg slopes had grown substantially which warranted the building of a church and establishment of a drostdy (magistrate under Swellendam). By 1813, the first Dutch Reformed Church was consecrated. 

The area saw a boom in commerce around the 1840s, largely due to the introduction of wool-producing Merino sheep to the district. From a relatively poor grain-producing area, Caledon evolved into one of the most prosperous farming areas in the Overberg due to ever-expanding wool export opportunities. This is when remarkable growth was seen in the town with the number of households doubling by 1860. 

Samples of Caledon’s thermal springs were submitted to the Chicago World Fair in 1893 and were awarded the first prize as one of the world’s highest-quality mineral waters. This resulted in even more visitors flocking to this farming village. A few years later, the influx of new people to the town increased once the Cape Railway Line reached Caledon in 1902. Around 60 years later though, this line was closed with the last train leaving for Cape Town from Caledon in July 1962.

In 1927, the historical Caledon Wild Flower Garden was established as part of Klein Swartberg Mountain’s greater nature reserve. The renowned flower show happens annually in spring (September) and exhibits an amazing array of fynbos from the Theewaterskloof area. 

Today, Caledon’s district is primarily agricultural and is still considered the capital of the extensive Overberg farming areas. Most activities include grain production, with a fair amount of stock farming and of course wool production too. The best time to visit the area is in the spring when the rolling hills with their yellow canola fields, are in full bloom!