The valley has of course existed for eons and has no doubt been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous San and Khoi peoples. The area was known to be verdant and in it's natural and unspoiled state, was the home to so many of Africa's wild animals living in what was their natural habitat. It was only after the Dutch Colonial era when this all changed, after modern day hunters 'discovered' the area. It is said that initially the hunters established a trading/replenishment post in the area where the present Tulbaghweg settlement and the old railway station is now situated. There was apparently a flourishing trade in animal skins, meat and elephant tusks etc. until of course the area was denuded of most, if not all of the indigenous animals. The indigenous flora has also suffered from the onslaught of human habitation and certainly not many indigenous trees and natural fynbos exists anymore. Thankfully the flora and fauna is now protected in the areas under the administration of Cape Nature Conservation (mountain reserves).
It was only about 300 years ago when, after a land grant by the Dutch Colonial Government to a more or less equal number of Dutch and Huguenot settlers to settle the area, was the town of Tulbagh founded. The town developed slowly and over time and in the period many notable examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian houses and other buildings such as Die Oude Drosdy (the original colonial Magistrate's complex) were built in the valley. Many of these lovely buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in 1969 but quite a number did survive the catastrophe. Many notable examples of the Cape Architecture of the time still exist on farms throughout the valley although in some cases they have been altered or repaired and also modernized. The authentic buildings are sadly few. In the famous Church Street however, all the houses in the street were restored to almost original condition after the earthquake.
Church Street is now graced by the largest number of original Cape- Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian National Monuments in one street in South Africa and is a major tourist attraction of the town to the present day. To take a walk down Church Street is akin to walking through a page in history.
Naturally, there have been gradual changes in the origins and ancestral background of the community due to the influx of settlers both past and present. Today there is a cosmopolitan and close knit community of diverse cultures all contributing towards the industrious, innovative, warm and friendly peoples of the valley today. The population of the town in 1996 was 5,086 and as at 2001, was 8,173 (2001 Census).
For accurate and documented historical background, information and examples of artifacts and relics of days gone by, you are encouraged to visit the museums listed below.
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Monbijou Stately House Tours
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36 Church Street
Groups by special appointment.
Admission R10- Senior citizens R7
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Sat - Tues 11h00 and 15h00
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+27 83 3666978
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Oude Drosdy Museum
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R5 admission
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Mon - Sat 10h00 - 12h50/ 14h00 - 16h00 Sun 14h30 - 16h50
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+27 23 2300203
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Oude Kerk Volksmuseum
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No. 4 Church Street. Admission R5/children R2.00
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Mon - Fri 9h00 - 17h00 - Sat 9h00 to 16h00 (summer) Sat 10h00 - 16h00 (winter) Sun 11h00 - 16h00
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+27 23 2301041
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