Von Francis Fort, monument in Namibia
Von Francis Fort is the ruins of a fort in the Khomas highlands of Namibia, now recognized as a national monument. The small stone structure, roughly 8 by 10 meters, sits on a hill and once overlooked a nearby dam and the surrounding open landscape.
The fort was built in 1890 by Major Curt von François, commander of the German Schutztruppe, as a resting point between Tsaobis and Windhoek. It later served as a place where soldiers who needed time away could be housed, earning it the nickname 'dry station'.
The fort sits about 50 kilometers west of Windhoek and is easily reached by car along a rough road, making it a convenient stop for travelers. No modern facilities exist on site, so visitors should plan their visit with adequate time and local information or a guide.
The fort earned the nickname 'dry station' because it served as a place where soldiers struggling with alcohol could spend time sobering up. This unusual role shows the practical and sometimes unexpected ways military stations were used in the frontier region.
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