Nestled in South Africa's Northern Cape, De Aar's story diverges from the typical South African town narrative. Unlike many towns that grew around churches, De Aar's birth was a product of political and industrial vision. In 1881, a pivotal Act of Parliament in Cape Town catalyzed its creation, marking the expansion of the railway from Beaufort West to De Aar, and further, to Kimberley's diamond fields. This development was a monumental stride, linking key economic hubs, and by September 1884, De Aar, initially christened as Brounger’s Junction, greeted its first train.
William G. Brounger, the Colonial Railway Engineer, played an instrumental role in De Aar's early days. He was a pioneer in railway technology, replacing worn wrought iron rails with sturdier steel and experimenting with wooden sleepers. His efforts in connecting Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East London to Kimberley were pivotal. It was under his supervision that De Aar, briefly known as Brounger's Junction, emerged as a vital railway node.
However, the real architects of De Aar were Jewish brothers Wulf and Isaac Friedlander. Their journey began in Latvia, fleeing persecution and arriving in Cape Town in 1878. By 1879, they had settled in De Aar, opening a trading station and a small hotel. Their business acumen saw the potential in this nascent town, strategically positioned in the burgeoning railway network.
De Aar's development wasn't without challenges. The railway construction attracted numerous laborers, leading to a diverse yet tumultuous mix of Zulu and Fingo workers. In 1883, escalating tensions culminated in a tragic conflict on Christmas Day, resulting in numerous casualties. The Cape Mounted Rifles, known as the "De Aar Expedition," intervened, restoring order.
Despite these early struggles, De Aar flourished. The Friedlanders leased and later purchased the land, establishing a general dealer's shop and a renowned hotel by 1884. As the railway's dining car was yet to be introduced, their hotel became a culinary landmark. The town soon attracted more services, including a post office and a bank, shifting the local commercial focus from neighboring towns to De Aar.
De Aar's strategic importance was highlighted during the 2nd Anglo Boer War. As a major railway junction, it was heavily garrisoned, playing a pivotal role in British military operations. It served as a launchpad for attacks and a reserve for crucial supplies, underlining its strategic importance.
Following the war, the Friedlander brothers initiated a comprehensive town planning project. Their foresight led to the establishment of various public amenities and wide streets, a novelty in town planning at the time. The town was officially established in 1903, with Samuel Cronwright, husband of famed writer Olive Schreiner, as its first town clerk.
De Aar, a town born from an act of parliament and nurtured by visionary immigrants, stands as a testament to the transformative power of industrial progress and strategic planning. From its origins as a railway junction to a vital military base and a well-planned municipality, De Aar's history is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of ambition, adversity, and achievement.