Graaff-Reinet

Graaff-Reinet (gräf-rī'nut) [key], town (1991 pop. 34,440), Eastern Cape, S South Africa, on the Great Karroo. It is the center of an important farming and stock-raising area in which grapes, citrus fruits, flowers, wool, and mohair are produced. Founded in 1786, it served as the capital of a short-lived Boer republic (1795–96). Andries Pretorius was born in Graaff-Reinet. The city has many historic buildings that have been restored.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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