Stellaland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Map of Stellaland and surrounding regions

Stellaland was a short-lived Boer republic from 1882 until 1885, located in an area of Bechuanaland, west of the then South African Republic.

[edit] History

The republic was formally created on 26 July 1882 by David Massouw and 400 followers, under the leadership of Gerrit Jacobus van Niekerk (1849-1896). The town of Vryburg was founded and declared its capital. On 7 August 1883 it united with the state of Goshen to form the "United States of Stellaland".

However, in 1885 the British sent in a force under Sir Charles Warren, who subsequently abolished the republic on 30 September and re-incorporated its territory into British Bechuanaland.

During its existence, Stellaland adopted three different flags, according to Flags of the World.