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's name honours Major William Cox of the 75th Regiment, who also led troops in the Cape Mounted Rifles. The site is now occupied by the Fort Cox College of Agriculture & Forestry, and the stone remains of the old walls can still be seen.

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.