Old Toll House Montagu Pass - nr George, Garden Route

The Old Toll House Montagu Pass, located near George in the Western Cape's Garden Route, 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 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 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 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.

Location of the Old Toll House Montagu Pass:  -33.918712228091835, 22.41632015431915