Tradouw Pass

Tradouw Pass
The Tradouw Pass in South Africa, linking Barrydale with Swellendam and Heidelberg through the Langeberg Mountains.
Elevation351 m (1,152 ft)
Length14 kilometres (8.7 mi)
Traversed byR324
LocationSwellendam, Western Cape, South Africa
RangeLangeberg
Coordinates33°58′32.2″S 20°42′06.6″E / 33.975611°S 20.701833°E / -33.975611; 20.701833
Map
Tradouw Pass is located in Western Cape
Tradouw Pass
Tradouw Pass (Western Cape)

Tradouw Pass is a pass through the Langeberg mountain range in South Africa. It is part of the R324 and is the main road between Swellendam and Barrydale in the Western Cape.

History

In 1868, the Cape administration decided to build a road through the pass and appointed Thomas Bain to construct the route.[1] It was built by convict labour.[1] On 27 October 1873, Cape Governor Sir Henry Barkly opened the route and named it Southey Pass after magistrate Robert Southey.[1] The name was not popular, and the current name stuck.[1]

Its name is derived from the Khoi words tarras, 'women' and doas, 'poort or the way through'; who first used the route through the Langeberg.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Tradouw". Standard encyclopaedia of Southern Africa. Vol. 10 Sle–Tun. Cape Town: Nasou. 1974. p. 560. ISBN 978-0-625-00326-6. LCCN 79-113594 – via Internet Archive.
  2. ^ "Welcome to the Cape Overberg, South Africa - The Tradouw Pass". www.overberg.co.za. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  3. ^ Ross, Graham (2003). The Romance of the Cape Mountain Passes. South Africa: New Africa Books. pp. 38–43. ISBN 9780864865960.
  • The dictionary definition of poort at Wiktionary