Old Toll House at Montagu Pass
Old Toll House at Montagu Pass
The Old Toll House at Montagu Pass, located near George in the Western Cape of South Africa, holds a significant place in the region's history as a vital toll station and a remarkable example of early 19th-century architecture. Built in 1847, the toll house served as a checkpoint for travelers using the newly constructed Montagu Pass, one of the country's oldest mountain passes. This pass was a crucial link between George and the interior regions, facilitating trade and transport during the 1800s.
Constructed from local sandstone, the Old Toll House exemplifies Cape Dutch architecture with its simple yet sturdy design. The building features thick walls, small windows, and a steeply pitched thatched roof, characteristic of the era's colonial architecture. Its strategic location at the highest point of Montagu Pass allowed toll collectors to monitor traffic and collect fees from travelers, contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the pass and its associated infrastructure.
Montagu Pass itself is renowned for its engineering ingenuity, designed by the famed road engineer, Charles Collier Michell, and completed in 1847. The pass traverses the Outeniqua Mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and serving as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of early road construction in South Africa. The Old Toll House stands as a symbol of this pioneering spirit and the importance of infrastructure in opening up the Cape Colony's interior.
Today, the Old Toll House at Montagu Pass is a popular stop for visitors exploring the scenic Garden Route. The building has been restored and transformed into a small museum, offering insights into the history of the pass, the toll system, and the daily life of those who operated and traveled through this rugged terrain in the 19th century. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and information panels that highlight the pass's significance in South African history and its role in shaping the development of the region.
The Old Toll House on Montagu Pass is a historical landmark that reflects South Africa's early transportation infrastructure.
Here are five facts about the Old Toll House:
1. Historical Significance: The Old Toll House was constructed in 1847 as part of Thomas Bain's ambitious project to build the Montagu Pass, the first road crossing of the Outeniqua Mountains. This pass was crucial in connecting the coastal town of George to the interior regions, facilitating trade and transport during the 19th century.
2. Toll Collection: As its name suggests, the Old Toll House served as a toll collection point for travelers using the Montagu Pass. Toll fees were collected from wagons, carts, and other vehicles that traversed the pass, contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the road infrastructure.
3. Architecture: The Old Toll House is a well-preserved example of Cape Dutch architecture, characterized by its whitewashed walls, thatched roof, and simple yet functional design. The building is a testament to the craftsmanship of its time and provides a glimpse into the living conditions of tollkeepers and their families during the 19th century.
4. Scenic Location: Situated amidst the natural beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains, the Old Toll House offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can appreciate the rugged terrain, indigenous flora, and occasional wildlife while exploring this historical site.
5. Heritage Site: Today, the Old Toll House is recognized as a provincial heritage site in the Western Cape, preserving its historical and cultural significance for future generations. The site attracts history enthusiasts, hikers, and tourists interested in learning about South Africa's early road infrastructure and the challenges faced by travelers in the 19th century.
The Old Toll House on Montagu Pass stands as a tangible reminder of South Africa's transportation history, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance required to overcome the natural obstacles presented by the Outeniqua Mountains.
Accommodation Near Old Toll House at Montagu Pass
Burrough Place
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Heatherlands, George
4km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassBurrough Place provides bed and breakfast accommodation in George, Garden Route. Situated in Heatherlands, George, in the spectacular Garden Route, Burrough Place is a Guesthouse that is on the main road when entering George from the Outeniqua Pass (N9). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
African Sun Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in George - Central
5.5km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassAfrican Sun Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in George, Garden Route. African Sun offers a relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful view of the Outeniqua mountains, it is a small holding where guests can... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ibis Place Guesthouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in George - Central
6.5km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassIbis Place Guesthouse provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in George, Garden Route. Overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains, it is situated in the middle of the Garden Route only 10 minutes from the George CBD... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Over The Mountain Guest Farm
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Herold
7.7km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassOver the Mountain Guest Farm offers both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in the secluded hamlet of Herold on the famous Route 62 and part of South Africa's sublime Garden Route. We offer comfortable accommodation in five historic... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Herolds Bay SeeVier 1
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Herolds Bay
13.7km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassHerolds Bay, SeeVier 1 is a seafront apartment in Herolds Bay on the Western Cape's Garden Route, and offers self-catering accommodation for 6 guests, making it ideal for a break with the family or friends. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Earth Wind and Ocean 33
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ballots Bay, George
14.1km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassWelcome to Earth Wind & Ocean 33. This amazing self catering home (sleeps 6) in Ballots Bay is tucked away on the cliffs overlooking the Indian ocean within the George Private Nature Reserve in Ballots Bay. Situated mere minutes from the city of George. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Earth Wind and Ocean 8
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ballots Bay, George
14.1km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassWelcome to Earth Wind & Ocean 8, a luxury self catering home in Ballots Bay, on the outskirts of the popular town of George. This beautiful self catering home with breath-taking views (sleeps 6) will take you away from the trappings of the rat race... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Serendipity Coastal Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ballots Bay, George
15.2km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassSerendipity Coastal Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Ballots Bay, Wilderness, Garden Route. Located in a Private Nature Reserve in Ballots Bay,between George and Wilderness. Serendipity Lodge is a luxury log home with spectacular sea and moun …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliff Top Houses - The Cat's Whiskers
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ballots Bay, George
15.5km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassCliff Top Houses - The Cat's Whiskers provides self catering accommodation in Ballots Bay near Victoria Bay in the Wilderness area, Garden Route. (Sleeps 6). This spectacular self catering home was designed by multi-award winning architect Henry Paine... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Coastal Bliss
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ballots Bay, George
15.6km from Old Toll House at Montagu PassCoastal Bliss is a beautiful log home (sleeps 6) situated in the private nature reserve of Ballots Bay, situated in George South Africa. The reserve has many indigenous plants and fauna and animals such as Zebra, Wildebeast, Springbok, Impala... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Outeniqua Pass - nr George, Garden Route (2.35km)
- Fancourt Golf Estate - George, Garden Route (3.86km)
- George Golf Club (4.55km)
- George Hospital (4.84km)
- The Links at Fancourt Country Club (5.12km)
- The Strawberry Festival presented by Ola (5.27km)
- Redberry Farm (5.27km)
- Garden Route Botanical Garden - George (5.51km)
- George Museum (5.65km)
- Old Slave Tree, George (5.70km)
- Outeniqua Transport Museum (7.23km)
- Witfontein Nature Reserve (8.15km)
- George Airport (9.28km)
- Garden Route Dam (10.51km)
- Garden Route Mall (11.07km)
- Oubaai Golf Course (12.90km)
- Lalavuga Coastal Reserve (13.34km)
- Blydskap Private Nature Reserve - George, Garden Route (14.16km)
- Kaaimans River Bridge (15.47km)
