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1834 – Province of Queen Adelaide Proclaimed
Following the outbreak of the Sixth Frontier War, Governor Sir Benjamin D’Urban annexed the territory between the Keiskamma and Kei Rivers, naming it the Province of Queen Adelaide. The Buffalo River mouth was identified as a strategic location for a port to serve the new colony. Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Smith was sent to inspect the site, and his report confirmed its potential. However, development stalled until Captain John Bailie conducted a formal survey in January 1836.

November 1836 – First British Ship Arrives
The brig Knysna, chartered to deliver supplies to Fort Peddie, anchored off the Buffalo River mouth. Its cargo was offloaded by 100 soldiers under Captain Thomas Biddulph. A memorial later erected on Signal Hill incorrectly credited John Bailie with raising the British flag, though both Bailie and Biddulph confirmed it was Biddulph who performed the act.

December 1836 – “Port Rex” Named
During a visit by Lieutenant Governor Sir Andries Stockenström, soldiers reportedly painted the name “Port Rex” on a stone near the camp in honour of the ship’s owner, John Rex. The name was never officially adopted and was likely the result of a celebratory prank. The camp was disbanded three weeks later.

1844 – Stockenström’s Treaty System Abrogated
Governor Sir Peregrine Maitland ended the treaty system that had granted limited autonomy to Xhosa chiefs. He proposed building a line of forts through Xhosa territory, prompting the resignation of Lieutenant Governor John Hare. This decision escalated tensions and set the stage for renewed conflict.

April 1846 – War of the Axe Begins
A theft incident involving a stolen axe led to a refusal by the accused’s friends to surrender him, triggering widespread violence. The war lasted longer than previous frontier conflicts and cost the British Treasury over £1 million per year. It marked a shift in colonial policy, with the Colonial Office now favouring cost-effective governance over humanitarian ideals.

2 April 1847 – East London Established
Lieutenant-General George Berkeley arrived at the Buffalo River to establish a port for the new colony of British Kaffraria. Surveying began shortly after, and merchant George Reeler opened the first trading store by May. The port’s natural lagoon and grassy hinterland made it a promising site for development.

25 December 1847 – Port Named “London”
Governor Sir Harry Smith named the port “London,” inspired by the shape of British Kaffraria resembling England. The name caused confusion, including a newspaper report claiming a steamship had travelled from London to Table Bay in three days. To avoid further misunderstanding, the name was changed.

8 January 1848 – Renamed “East London” and Annexed to Cape Colony
To prevent smuggling and ensure customs revenue collection, East London was annexed to the Cape Colony. This created legal confusion, as the port was originally intended for British Kaffraria. Traders faced administrative delays and lacked access to proper legal recourse.

November 1848 – East London Placed in District of Victoria
To resolve legal issues, East London was temporarily placed under the jurisdiction of the District of Victoria. This allowed circuit courts to operate in the area, but the port remained under military control, with civilian concerns often sidelined.

1849–1850 – Port Decline and Recession
Due to poor administration, lack of civilian authority, and the dominance of the Commissariat Surf-Boat Establishment, East London’s trade declined sharply. Ships were delayed, cargo was damaged, and insurance costs soared. By 1850, only 12 ships visited the port, and traders began abandoning the settlement.

Headline

1820–1829: Early Colonial Contact and Frontier Tensions

  • Strategic Interest: The Buffalo River mouth was identified as a potential port site as British colonial expansion intensified after the arrival of the 1820 Settlers.
  • Frontier Wars: The region was embroiled in ongoing land disputes and intermittent conflict between Xhosa groups and colonial authorities.
  • Missionary Activity: Missionaries began operating in the area, influencing local society and land use.
  • Indigenous Life: Xhosa communities continued to use the Buffalo River for grazing and seasonal occupation, but pressure from colonial expansion increased.

1830–1839: Province of Queen Adelaide and First British Settlement

  • 1834 – Province of Queen Adelaide Proclaimed: Governor Sir Benjamin D’Urban annexed territory between the Keiskamma and Kei Rivers, including the Buffalo River, naming it the Province of Queen Adelaide.
  • Port Survey: Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Smith inspected the Buffalo River mouth, confirming its potential as a port. Development stalled until Captain John Bailie’s formal survey in January 1836.
  • November 1836 – First British Ship: The brig Knysna anchored off the Buffalo River mouth, offloading supplies for Fort Peddie. Captain Thomas Biddulph raised the British flag.
  • December 1836 – “Port Rex” Named: Soldiers painted “Port Rex” on a stone near the camp, but the name was never officially adopted. The camp was disbanded three weeks later.
  • Frontier Instability: The area remained contested, with frequent skirmishes and shifting boundaries as colonial authorities sought to secure the region.

1840–1849: Forts, War of the Axe, and the Birth of East London

  • 1844 – Treaty System Ended: Governor Sir Peregrine Maitland ended the treaty system that had granted limited autonomy to Xhosa chiefs, proposing a line of forts through Xhosa territory.
  • April 1846 – War of the Axe: A theft incident triggered widespread violence, marking the start of the War of the Axe. The conflict was costly and marked a shift in colonial policy.
  • 2 April 1847 – East London Established: Lieutenant-General George Berkeley arrived at the Buffalo River to establish a port for British Kaffraria. Surveying began, and the first trading store opened by May.
  • 25 December 1847 – Port Named “London”: Governor Sir Harry Smith named the port “London,” but confusion led to a name change.
  • 8 January 1848 – Renamed “East London” and Annexed: East London was annexed to the Cape Colony, creating legal confusion and administrative delays.
  • November 1848 – District of Victoria: East London was placed under the District of Victoria, allowing circuit courts to operate but keeping the port under military control.
  • 1849–1850 – Port Decline: Poor administration and lack of civilian authority led to a sharp decline in trade. Ships were delayed, cargo was damaged, and traders began abandoning the settlement.

1850–1859: Recovery and Consolidation

  • Port Recovery: After the recession and administrative confusion of the late 1840s, efforts were made to improve port facilities and attract trade back to East London.
  • Civilian Growth: The population slowly increased as merchants and settlers returned, drawn by the port’s strategic location and improved prospects.
  • Military Presence: Fort Glamorgan and other military installations continued to play a key role in securing the Buffalo River area and supporting colonial expansion.

1860–1869: Expansion and Urban Development

  • Harbor Improvements: Major construction projects began to improve the harbor, including breakwaters and wharves, enabling larger vessels to access the port.
  • Township Growth: East London’s population and infrastructure expanded, with new residential and commercial areas developing along the Buffalo River.
  • Economic Activity: Trade and industry grew, anchored by the port and supported by improved transportation links.

1870–1879: Industrialization and Integration

  • Industrial Growth: The Buffalo River area became a hub for manufacturing and export, with the port facilitating regional trade.
  • Municipal Formation: East London’s administrative structure matured, with the amalgamation of villages and the formation of a municipality.
  • Population Increase: The city’s population grew rapidly, driven by migration and economic opportunity.

1880–1889: Urban Expansion and Modernization

  • Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in roads, railways, and public buildings modernized the Buffalo River area.
  • Social Change: The growing urban population brought new social institutions, schools, and churches to East London.
  • Economic Diversification: Industry and commerce diversified, with the port remaining central to the city’s prosperity.

1890–1899: Towards the Twentieth Century

  • Port and City Growth: East London solidified its role as a major port and urban center in the Eastern Cape.
  • Population and Industry: The city’s population and industrial base continued to expand, setting the stage for further growth in the twentieth century.
  • Colonial Legacy: The Buffalo River area’s transformation reflected broader patterns of colonial settlement, economic development, and social change.