Fort Schanskop
After the Jameson Raid, as carried out by the British over the New Year weekend of 1896, former President Paul Kruger of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek commanded the constructing of forts to protect Pretoria. Initially eight forts were to be built, but due to a shortage of funds only four were constructed – Fort Schanskop being one.
Fort Schanskop was completed in 1897, but by the time of the outbreak of the war most soldiers and armament were transferred to the Natal front, leaving the fort undefended.
After the invasion of Pretoria, the British occupied the fort from the 7th of June 1900. Schanskop was occupied by the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers until it was returned to the Union Government in 1922 and used by the Defence Force for signalling and reconnaissance purposes.
Schanskop was proclaimed a historical monument by the Historical Monuments Commission in 1938.
In 1962 it was decided to establish a military museum in Pretoria with Schanksop being included in this project.
In 2000 Schanskop was transferred to the Voortrekker Monument, a Section 21 Company, and an Anglo-Boer War exhibition added to several of the fort’s rooms.
The fort is situated on the same grounds as the Voortrekker Monument, within the Voortrekker Monument Heritage site, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike – featuring great picnic spots with a beautiful view of the city, as well as outdoor activities like hiking trails, bird watching and cycling routes.
Contact Details
Contact the Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve at:
Telephone Number: (012) 326 6770 / 325 7885 / 325 0477
Postal Address: PO Box 1514, Groenkloof, 0027
Physical Address: Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site, Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
Pretoria Museums |