East London

:This article is about the city in South Africa. For the area of London, United Kingdom, see East London, England.

History

A British fort, Fort Glamorgan, was built at the site of the city in 1847, and annexed to the Cape Colony that same year. Three villages grew around the fort, and were eventually combined to form the town of East London, which was elevated to city status in 1914.

Related Topics:
British - Fort - 1847 - Cape Colony - 1914

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In the late 1850s the population of East London was boosted by the introduction of some German settlers, most of whom were bachelors. In 1857 the British Government took pity on them and a cargo of 157 Irish girls arrived to help lift morale. The unusual double Decker Bridge over the Buffalo River was completed in 1935 and to this day, is the only bridge of its type in South Africa. Modern day attractions include the East London Museum housing the coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to be extinct and numerous memorial statues. The city is well-known as a surfing mecca, and its beaches are among the best in the country.

Related Topics:
1850s - 1857 - 1935 - Coelacanth

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In 1959, the Prince George Circuit race circuit opened; it hosted three Formula One South African Grand Prix races in the 1960s. In 2000, East London became part of the municipality of Buffalo City, also consisting of King William's Town and Bisho.

Related Topics:
1959 - Prince George Circuit - Formula One - South African Grand Prix - 1960s - 2000 - Buffalo City - King William's Town - Bisho

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