20 Nov Keetmanshoop – Namibia
The Karakal Monument
Keetmanshoop is a major junction town on the road between Upoington and Windhoek and connecting roads to the east and west. The town named after Johann Keetman (benefactor of the town)was an important centre when Namibia (formerly German South West Africa) was a colony of Imperial Germay. The German architectural influence is noticable in the town and old Imperial Monuments can be seen in the town centre.
In 1860 the Rhenish Mission Society came to the area, however 1866 is recognised at the foundation date of the town. The Gothic architectural influence can be seen in the stone Rhenish Mission church.
Other buildings of interest is the Post Office, built in 1910 and the Schulzenhausen or Marksmans Clubhouse, (1905 – 0907), now a guesthouse.
The outlying farm area is well known for the Karakal sheep and a monument in the town recognises the economic importance of these tough sheep that can survive in high temperatures and low rainfall. (Average 152 mm a year)