Cape Colony facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cape Colony Kaapkolonie
1795–1910
Flag
Anthem: God Save the King (God Save the Queen 1837–1901)
The Cape Colony ca. 1890 with Griqualand East and Griqualand West annexed and Stellaland/Goshen (in light red) claimed
Status	British colony
Capital	Cape Town
Common languages	English, Dutch ¹
Religion	Dutch Reformed Church, Anglican
Government	Constitutional monarchy
Historical era	Scramble for Africa
• Established	1795
• Dutch colony	1803–1806
• Anglo-Dutch treaty	1814
• Disestablished	1910
Area
1822	331,900 km2 (128,100 sq mi)
1910	569,020 km2 (219,700 sq mi)
Population
• 1822	110380
• 1865 census	496381
• 1910	2564965
Currency	Pound sterling
Preceded by Succeeded by Dutch Cape Colony British Bechuanaland Union of South Africa
Today part of	South Africa ²
¹ Dutch was the sole official language until 1806, when the British officially replaced Dutch with English. Dutch was reincluded as a second official language in 1882. ² Except for the exclave of Walvis Bay, which is now part of Namibia.

The Cape Colony (called Kaapkolonie in Dutch) was a special area in southern Africa. It was located around the famous Cape of Good Hope. This colony started in 1652. It was set up by Jan van Riebeeck for the Dutch East India Company.

The British took control of the colony in 1795. But it was given back to the Dutch in 1802. Then, in 1806, the British captured it again. The Cape Colony later joined with three other British colonies in 1910. Together, they formed the Union of South Africa. At that time, the Cape Colony was renamed the "Cape Province." Its main city was Cape Town. Today, Cape Town is a major city in South Africa.

Who Governed the Cape Colony?

The Cape Colony had different leaders over its history. When it was a British colony, the King or Queen of Britain was the head of state. They were represented in the colony by a Governor.

British Monarchs

From 1795 until 1910, these Kings and Queens ruled Britain and, by extension, the Cape Colony:

• George III (1795–1820)
• George IV (1820–1830)
• William IV (1830–1837)
• Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
• Edward VII (1901–1910)
• George V (1910)

Governors of the Colony

The Governor was the main leader in the colony itself. They were chosen by the British monarch. They managed the day-to-day running of the colony. Some important Governors included George Macartney, Lord Charles Somerset, and Sir George Grey.

Prime Ministers of the Colony

Later, the Cape Colony also had Prime Ministers. These leaders were in charge of the local government. They worked alongside the Governor. One well-known Prime Minister was Cecil Rhodes.

Images for kids

• 

  Tallis Map of the Cape Colony, 1850.

See also

In Spanish: Colonia del Cabo para niños