CAPE CROSS
The name refers to the erection in 1484 of a cross by Diogo Cao, Portuguese seafarer, on his search for a sea route around Africa. The Cabo de Padrao as the Cape later became known – Cape Cross weas the southernmost point on the coastline where Cao planted his crosses.
Replica of original Cross
• Replica of original Cross – the original cross was planted be Diogo Cao. The original cross was removed in 1893 and was eventually taken to Wilhelmshaven in Germany. German Emperor Wilhelm II authorised a replica to be made and erected about 15m from the site of the original on 23 January 1895. The original cross is in Berlin. In 1980 an additional cross was manufactured from Namib dolerite and was erected on the exact site where the original was planted. The German replica and the site of the original cross was declared national monuments on 1 November 1968. The original Portuguese cross was returned by Germany to Namibia.
Remains of railway lines
• Remains of railway lines – Small islands in the bay were found covered in guano (sea bird droppings used as fertilizer). Seals were found in abundance. During 1895 the Damaraland Guano Co started operating to collect the guano. Here the country’s first railway line was built. Carriages were drawn by a steam engine to transport workers and guano to the ship’s holding place, a distance about 20km.Only the rusted remains of these trolley lines can still be seen
Museum pieces
Museum pieces at Cape Cross Lodge - a trolley used on the narow guage rail line as well as other artefacts are displayed at a museum at the lodge
Small cemetery
• Small cemetery – some of the people who worked and died here were buried in the small cemetery. The wooden crosses deteriorated, and names can no longer be seen. Only one name can be seen on a small bronze plate, namely Julius Hasselund, born 26.8.1910 and died 26.4.1919. He was the son of August Hasselund, a foreman manager at Damaraland Guano Co. Another can be for Capt Massiliussen, a Norwegian ship captain who died in 1897.
Cape fur seals
• Cape fur seals – Here is the largest Cape Fur seal colony in the world. They were hunted for their meat, oil and fur. This is one of only a few places worldwide where seal culling is still allowed. The season runs from July to November.
