Jan van Riebeeck
Dutch politician, founder of Cape Town
Born
April 21st, 1619
405 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1677
348 years ago — 57 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
A Dutch politician established a refreshment station for the Dutch East India Company at Cape of Good Hope in 1652, which later evolved into Cape Town. The settlement aimed to provide support for ships en route to the East Indies. Van Riebeeck served as the company's first commander, overseeing the initial development of the colony, including agriculture and trade routes. He played a critical role in the interactions between European settlers and local indigenous populations during the early stages of colonial expansion in Southern Africa.
Founded Cape Town in 1652
Led Dutch East India Company's settlement efforts
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