Knysna’s story is one of exploration, settlement and resilience, shaped by its forests, waters and the people who called it home.
Fueled by their tantalizing imaginations of far-flung lands and driven by an insuppressible drive for opportunity the Europeans floated carelessly through unchartered oceans on small crowed wooden sailing ships in hopes of escaping oppression or discovering the glories of unimaginable new wealth. These were the Knysna ancestors, most of whom were younger than 30 years old bundled with young offspring, who’s unbridled passions and naïve enthusiasm settled in and along the Cape Coast, including Knysna. The challenges of Knysna in its formative settler days would not be too different from other fledgling towns along the Garden Route coastline who’s natural selection was spawned through its convenience to trading and security. Knysna presented a compelling argument to the British naval hierarchy as one of natures most ideally crafted hideaway ports guarded by the tempting entrance pillars of mountain rock on the east and western sides of the tempestuous estuary mouth, now known as ‘The Heads’.
This instinctively obvious choice was eventually abandoned due to the dangers that lurked between and beneath the sea at the mouth of ‘The Heads’. Apart from the dreams of a natural port it was a source of unquantifiable timber with green seas of impenetrable forests surrounding the estuary, stretching in all directions.
As had beed occurring along the Cape Coast for a few decades the opportunistic and adventurous settlers navigated the unfamiliar environment including interactions with the indigenous peoples. Once the security of their basic agricultural needs had been established to ensure survival the settlers began to cut, chop and saw their way through centuries of grand old trees. Tiber mills appeared to cut and trade the timber. Shops appeared to service the Choppers and Mill workers. Ship builders constructed wooden ships and so Knysna sprang to life.
Knysna’s early history is shaped by discovery, exploration, and the gradual establishment of European settlements that laid the foundation for the town’s cultural and natural heritage.
The forests of Outeniqualand were first discovered.
The Governor of the Cape, Ryk Tulbagh, sends Ensign Beutler eastward with 37 men on 11 wagons to explore and erect V.O.C. signs.
The first settlers arrive in the Gamtoos River Valley.
European settlements begin in the George/Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area by allocating large farms leased to settlers on an annual basis.
On 14 September, Stephanus Terblans is issued a permit to farm the"mobile"n as Melkhout Kraal.
The Swedish botanist Anders Sparrman visits the area, along with Charles Peter Thunberg and the Scot Francis Masson from Kew Gardens.
The botanist Vaillant passes through the area and names the bird Narina Trogon after a Hottentot girl.
The Dutch East India Company attempts to placate local Burgers by investigating coastal trade possibilities. A commission is appointed, consisting of Francois Duminy (Harbour Master), Burgher Lieutenant J.G. van Rheenen, and Ebertus Bergh.
A woodcutters’ post is established at Plettenberg Bay under J.F. Meeding, formerly a woodcutter at the Swart River Post. J.J. Derling is contracted to build a timber store (now a national monument) at a cost of 15,000 guilders.
The first cargo of timber is shipped from Plettenberg Bay to the Cape on the ship Meermin, skippered by Francois Duminy.
Dutch occupation of the Cape is superseded by British occupation as part of their strategy against the French to protect the sea route to the Orient. Lord Macartney is appointed Governor.
James Callander and George Rex arrive in South Africa. Callander is appointed skipper of John Murray’s ship (Murray had a store in Mossel Bay exporting timber to the Cape). George Rex is appointed Marshal of the Vice Admiralty Court in Cape Town in October.
James Callander is appointed “Inspector of all Government Woodlands to the East of Mossel Bay,” with instructions similar to those issued to J.F. Meeding in 1787. The widow of Stephanus Terblans, Hester Marx, sells Melkhout Kraal to Johan van Lindenbaum for Rd 7,733.24 and marries him three weeks later.
The countryside is unsettled due to raids by Kaffirs and their Hottentot allies into the Knysna area.
In Cape Town on 11 April, George Rex petitions for the emancipation of Johanna Rosina “Roosje” van der Caap from slavery; she is already carrying his first child, Edward Rex (born 29 July 1801, died 13 October 1801 without issue). He also frees her children: Emmerentia, Hendrik, and Christie. The Vrybrief granted on 29 May states they were previously slaves of J.H. Ungerer, adopting the surname Ungerer. Rex’s second wife, Carolina Margaretha Ungerer (Roosje’s daughter), is emancipated on 6 July. Early in the year, Robert Sample visits van Lindenbaum’s wife at Melkhout Kraal. On 2 May, van Lindenbaum sells Melkhout Kraal to John Murray (Callander’s employer) and Richard Holiday for 26,000 guilders, including the adjoining farm Nonous and a portion of Uitzicht (in Belvedere and Brenton). Purchases include the “opstal” (improvements), as land was leased from the government.
George Rex’s second child, John Rex, is born on 26 October (died 12 July 1858). Callander resigns due to frequent Kaffir raids and lack of support from Cape Town. Kaffirs plague Melkhout Kraal; on 1 October, they steal 104 cattle. Plettenberg Bay inhabitants prepare defenses, sending women and children to Mossel Bay, leading to the Kaffirs Kop Massacre. On 31 October, Meeding requests relief from his post, but permission is denied; the brig Lady Barnard delivers ammunition.
British occupation ends; General Janssens is appointed Governor of the Batavian Government. He tours the colony, passing through George and Knysna with Lieutenant van Reenen. Later, Commissary-General de Mist visits Knysna with historian Dr. Heinrich Lichtenstein. Callander rebuilds his cabin at the Heads and provides a chart of the bay and lagoon, claiming it navigable (van Reenen disagrees). Callander’s application to farm Steenbok Eiland (now Thesen Island) for a fishery is refused. Uitzicht (Brenton) was farmed by Hendrik Barnard, Belvedere by Jan Terblans; northern shores uninhabited, eastern shore Melkhout Kraal tenanted by Stephanus Terblans since 1770. In April, van Reenen notes Melkhout Kraal destroyed by Kaffirs and Hottentots, but gardens remain orderly.
In February, George Rex sells his Cape Town house “Schoonder Zigt” (transfer in September). On 24 April, he purchases Melkhout Kraal from Richard Holiday’s executors for 20,000 guilders, plus rights to Tongua Farm. In May, he applies to lease 87 morgen east of Melkhout Kraal (later Springfield), approved in August. With him are Johanna Rosina and children: Emmerentia (~15), Hendrik Christian Ungerer, Christina Maria Ungerer (~5), and Carolina Margaretha Ungerer (~11). His third child, Elizabeth Carolina Rex, is born 2 February (died 8 July 1877 without issue). In November, Rex is interned as an enemy alien in Stellenbosch but allowed to return to Knysna under weekly reporting to the field cornet, as recommended by Attorney General Bokland.
Jacob Govert Rex, George Rex’s fourth child, is born 16 June (died 21 June 1852).
British reoccupy the Cape. The post of Inspector of Government Lands and Forests is created; the British Admiralty eyes Knysna timber for boat-building.
George Rex persuades the Admiralty to attempt entry into Knysna Lagoon, deemed too risky by the Staunch’s commander and confirmed in 1809.
Anne Rex is born 8 June (died 1 December 1839); Carolina Ungerer likely the mother. Frederick Rex is born 30 August (died 8 November 1860).
George is proclaimed a district by the British; town site approved by Governor Lord Caledon. A license system for timber cutting increases revenues.
Missionaries Wimmer and Reade from the London Missionary Society visit Hoogekraal. Captain Jones reports on timber extraction, condemning Knysna as a port due to the bar.
Royal Navy establishes a Naval Reserve Timber Supply at Knysna for Simonsstown Dockyard. J.F. Meeding dies; John Squire becomes Government Resident at Plettenberg Bay. John Campbell inspects missions, meeting Landdrost Adrianus Gysbertus van Kervel in George, leading to Pacaltsdorp’s establishment. Caroline Rex is born 7 August (died 2 December 1867).
Christina Wilhelmina Rex is born 17 September (died 2 July 1879 without issue).
Sir Jahleel Brenton investigates harbor development; decides on naval base and shipyard. George Rex provides foreshore land. Knysna opens as a harbor; sailing ships call regularly. In February, H.M. transport Emu strikes a rock and runs ashore. H.M.S. Podargus enters safely on 2 April. In September, H.M.S. Eurydice sends a survey suggesting beacons, a pilot, and buoys. H.M.S. Dispatch makes 14 passages from Cape Town to Algoa Bay (1817–1818).
Callander’s second application to farm Steenbok Eiland is refused. Governor establishes signal post, pilot, and boats; John Gough appointed pilot on Brenton’s recommendation. William Walker praises George Rex’s boat selection and pilot appointment. Louise Georgina Rex is born 4 May (died 23 October 1899 without issue).
James Callander dies in Uitenhage aged 62. John Gough dismissed as pilot; Thomas Finn appointed in March but drowns in September. Cornelius Nelson acts as pilot until June 1821. Admiralty establishes naval dockyard on lagoon foreshore; Antonio Fauconnier from Plettenberg Bay appointed storekeeper.
John Mackenzie Johnson dismissed as pilot due to inadequacy; pilot station abolished on 31 December, saving costs. Rex family acts as voluntary pilots for 30 years.
George Rex dies 3 April; will divides estate into 16 parts (widow 3, each child 1). No buyers; heirs purchase for £13,000. Crown grant of £1,000/year ends; Carolina Margaretha guardians minor children (youngest Thomas Henry, 5). Ann Rex dies 1 December. Timber superseded by steel in shipbuilding.
58-ton schooner Sovereign wrecks leaving Knysna Lagoon.
Barrington (age 30) returns to Cape, buys “Portland” from Duthie for £800 (Duthie paid £400 from Rex estate).
Lieutenant Colonel John Sutherland buys “Eastford,” “Westford,” and “Old Place” for £2,000.
Sutherland arrives from India with family, servants, and wagons. Leaves sons to establish Newhaven; returns to India (dies 26 June 1848). John Rex becomes insolvent. Unmarried Rexes build “Rexford” on Woodbourne Estate. John Rex’s double-storey home for Susan Margaret Muller is likely Knysna’s second house. Sutherland is son of the Earl of Duffus.
Five cottages in Melville house 10 adults and 5 children
Montagu Pass completed. Forests between Kaaimans and Keurbooms River nearly devastated; Colonial Secretary John Montagu closes forests, appoints conservator.
Sutherland dies in India; estate insolvent, relations disperse. Major Harker’s Plettenberg Bay residency abolished.
John Rex lays St. George’s Church foundation in April. Belvedere harbors small vessels; 300 slates discharged for church. Dr. William Andrews first chaplain. Barrington marries Georgiana Knox (“Belle of Bath”) and brings her to Knysna.
Frederick Rex dies 8 November. Eighth Kaffir War; district white population ~2,000.
Xhosa chiefs admit defeat.
Botanist Victorin visits Knysna for ~1 year; ~20 cottages in Melville. Colony granted self-government; Major Hope inspects forests, recommends reopening.
St. George’s Church completed, consecrated 5 October by Bishop Gray. Dr. Andrews’ wife dies. John Rex lays Newhaven English Church foundation 3 October. Population ~60 adults, 30 cottages. 27-ton Muskwash wrecks at Conrey Glen. First blue gum trees arrive (Australian blackwood in 1876, seriously in 1909). John Benn builds 60-ton schooner Rover for Horne.
Thomas Henry Duthie dies 13 August (age 51); Barrington 49. New school built near churchyard; W.F. Horner first headmaster. Xhosa population reduced from 104,000 to 37,000 due to witch doctor Nongqawuse’s policies.
John Rex dies 12 July. Dr. Andrews takes leave; Rev. George Squibb takes over. Public library opens 4 June. James Fichat appointed Civil Commissioner/Magistrate in April. Recommends John Rex as pilot 5 June (approved 9 July). 189-ton steam vessel Zulu enters 31 August with convicts for gaol and road. Brigantine Helen wrecks in September. William Christie Jackson appointed pilot in October.
Henry Barrington resigns from Kaffrarian posts. 216-ton brig Magnolia wrecks 24 July; Jackson criticized. Namaqua visits twice with passengers/cargo.
Barrington lays new Portland manor foundation 29 September (completed 1865). Select committee investigates direct road through Outeniqualand; Barrington favors Homtini Gorge route (authorities choose Sasveld-Kaaimans-Silver-Touws-Deep-Ruigtevlei; started 1868).
Two field cornetries created in George/Knysna. Melville and Newhaven combine into Knysna Municipality. Tenants gain title deeds; rest to colonial government. Great drought begins (ends 1869).
30-ton schooner Munster Lass wrecks off Beacon Rock in April.
Barrington installs first water-driven sawmill. Dr. Andrews dies 8 November (age 53) in London.
Bishop Gray visits via near-completed Prince Alfred’s Pass.
First diamond found in Griqualand (scepticism). Carolina Rex dies 17 April (age 73, certificate: Carola Marga Ungerer). Harbor Master abolished; George Bruce pilot at £40/year. Horne builds first stone jetty (completed 1867, used until 1933).
“Passes” road started by Thomas Bain. George Bruce resigns March; John Benn pilot/coxswain. 50-ton Annie Benn launched 21 January at Salt River.
Great fire 6 February destroys Portland Manor, drives Darnells from Westford; Westford and Eastford burn. Fire devastates forests, kills 20 people, destroys homes/mills. Henry Barrington rebuilds Portland with insurance. Benjamin Horn dies 10 February. Fire traced to woodcutters’ camp.
William Lloyd buys Rex’s timber depot. Leonard Thesen dies.
Captain Harrison urges elephant protection/domestication.
Henry Barrington urges son John to return, avoid “Slickmans Outfit.” Buys “Karatarawater” (100 acres) for £545; builds house at Karatara-Ruigtevlei confluence. 17 dwt gold nugget found near Knysna. John Benn Sr. dies May; John Benn Jr. pilot for 35 years. Elizabeth Carolina Rex dies 8 July; Caroline Rex 22 December. Barrington pleads for Bantu/Chinese labor. Constructs 26-ft stinkwood water wheel. John Barrington returns.
New road switches through Homtini (gold diggings), completed in 2 years. Activity in Homtini Gorge (Barrington’s Rodeekraal) fleeting; Millwood proclaimed 1885. Donald Currie’s 511-ton Venice (Capt. Bradford) provides regular steam service. Christina Wilhelmina Rex dies 22 June without issue; Edward Rex 13 October without issue.
Maximillian Jackson becomes Magistrate 1 January (Goldsbury retires). Melville/Newhaven population ~1,000. John Barrington Mining Commissioner. Knysna gazetted port; customs established, monthly coastal steamer. Deregistered 1954. Lloyd’s Steam Mill (1875) sold to Metelerkamp/Thesen/Cruikshanks as Steam Saw Mill Co. Ltd. (Charles Thesen Secretary); liquidated, sold to Blackburn, then Parks 1888.
3 May: Italians arrive for silk industry on Barrington’s farm. 26 September: Sarah Rex dies. 4 November: Melville/Newhaven merge into Knysna; councillors elected: Samuel Goldsburg (Chair), Peter Metelerkamp, William Page, W. Milne, Charles Wilhelm Thesen; Secretary William Brent Staller. 15 December: Pontoon “Forest Queen” (72 ft) opens over Keurbooms River.
Jacob Govert Rex dies. Henry Barrington dies broke as “passes” road reaches Portland. Bridge started over Bitou River near Keurbooms confluence. 116 ships enter/leave Knysna (up 19). Councillors petition Governor Sir Hercules Robinson for municipality status. Proclamation 217/1882 under Act 45/1882; includes Melville, Newhaven, Eastford, Rectory, suburban lots. November: Dramatic Club’s first performance, “A Kiss in the Dark.”
New jetty completed; S.S. Venice first to tie up, Ambulant first cargo (3,000 sleepers). Lasts 38 years; replaced by concrete jetty 2 November 1933 after S.S. Agnar ramming. Bridge over Keurbooms (Bitou) River (“Bridge of Sighs”) completed. Last buffalo shot at Bloukrans. First municipality meeting 14 March; councillors: Thomas Horn (Chair), Pieter Metelerkamp, W. Page, W. Milne, H.W. Dunn, Thomas Noble, Arthur Hepburn, W. Smith, Dr. E. Tees; G.H.B. Steytler Town Clerk. Depression: large dealer compromises creditors; 7/8 steam sawmills closed. Knysna Hotel proprietor George William Percy Gower Richmond arrested for insolvency. Convicts depart after jetty; return 1889 for Phantom Pass.
Osborne prospects George/Knysna; finds gold in most holes. Millwood proclaimed goldfield; ~200 diggers. Some believe Barrington’s farms (Portland, Rookekraal, Lawwood; 7,500 morgen) still hold gold. Thomas Horn dies December; new councillors elected. Buffalo extinct; 400–500 elephants remain.
89 vessels enter/leave Knysna. Alluvial gold in forest streams; reef gold found. Millwood rush: main street has 4 hotels, boarding houses, 6 shops, committee room, agency, businesses. Newspapers: Millwood Sluce Box (November), Millwood Eaglet, Millwood Critic.
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee: Arbor Day; school children plant oaks. Millwood gold production: 655 ounces.
Millwood population ~1,400 (400 in village); ~few thousand ounces gold (~£8,200) extracted, mostly streams; reefs not rich enough. 6 hotels (Holts Temperance, Howells, Pioneer, Millwood, Commercial, Central), 29 shops, bank, post office, 3 newspapers, turf club. Witwatersrand strikes lead to rush there. George Parks arrives from Birmingham for mill materials; returns favorably.
Convict station between Millwood/Knysna River for Phantom Pass work. John Benn Jr. house on Signal Hill. Louise Georgina Rex dies 23 October.
Comte de Vaselot de Regne superintendant of woods/forests; introduces pine plantations (woodcutters’ disgust).
Southern Cape forests under scientific management. Catholic Church/school for Italian immigrants (~50 souls) for silk industry.
Parks forms Knysna Forest Company; sends son George to operate mill. Osborne registers 2,360 ounces gold (much unregistered; promised £1,000 reward at 3,000 ounces; faith in Millwood till death).
August: Petition to Cecil Rhodes to restart Millwood; £1,463 paid to treasury, gold £11,020 (excluding unregistered). Rhodes refuses. Millwood abandoned 21 November 1924 (Proclamation 294).
Knysna River Bridge completed.
Thesens establish shipping firm; first boat Albatross, first steamer S.A. Agnar. Fleet of 12 ships dominates trade 27 years till rail link.
2 June: Ship Friedhelm wrecked at Knysna.
Captain Harrison dies November in Cape Town.
Maria Rex dies 25 May without issue. By century’s end, Rex lands dispersed: northern shores village; Belvedere, Brenton, Woodbourne to Duthies; Melkhout Kraal remains to Charlie Stroebel.
2-ft gauge railway from forest replaces ox wagons; 22-mile track completed 1907, discontinued 30 April 1949. Called “The Coffee Pot.”
First motor vehicle; Knysna to George in 3 hours.
Montagu White buys Wilderness area for Wilderness Estate Company.
Railway reaches George.
Elephant shooting permits free.
10-year lease to Norwegian Whale Fishing Company for Beacon Island station (ceased 1912).
First Knysna River bridge replaces drift; washed away 1916.
Last sailing ship Gladys leaves Knysna.
Thesens sell shipping line.
Iron Bridge completed at Phantom Pass.
Indigenous elephant herd ~12 (including 2 calves).
Rail link George-Knysna completed.
George Cearn buys Leisure Isle (Steenbok Eiland) from John Duthie (from Rex estate) for £11,000; 1970 value R5,000,000.
John Benn Jr. dies November (age 88).
Last steam ship S.A.S. Pietermaritzburg departs September.
Knysna deregistered as port in October.
Knysna population ~14,000.