Potchefstroom se stigting: 1838 én 1839

Abstract

An article in the previous issue of Contree claims that Potchefstroom was established in 1839 because occupation of the area only took place then. An analysis of the wording in a number of reports by eyewitnesses on the history of the town's settlement does in fact indicate that it was indeed occupied during that time. Research however shows that Potchefstroom had already been proclaimed in December 1838. This date can therefore be regarded as its official date of establishment. As in the case of other Voortrekker towns, occupation was thus preceded by proclamation.