Fort Cox, Military fort in Middledrift, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Fort Cox sits within a bend of the Keiskamma River on elevated ground near Middledrift. The complex displays a quadrangle layout with stone buildings and reinforced walls positioned across the terrain.
British forces built the fort in 1835 and named it after Major William Cox of the 75th Regiment. The structure was rebuilt in 1846 during armed conflict in the region.
The fort reflects the encounters between British military forces and local communities during a period of territorial expansion in the region. You can observe how the structure was designed to secure control over this area.
The site now operates as an agricultural and forestry college, so visitors can walk the grounds and examine the historic buildings firsthand. Best visited during clear weather when you can see the landscape and river surroundings clearly.
The original garrison included six Royal Artillery members, one British Infantry company, and around 160 local soldiers who served alongside them. This mixed composition was unusual for British military posts of that era.
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