Republic of Utrecht

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Republiek Utrecht
Republic of Utrecht
1852-1858
Flag of the Netherlands.svg
Official language Dutch
Capital Utrecht (South Africa)
Form of government republic
Head of state , also head of government Landdrost
surface 2048 km²
independence 1852
Time zone UTC +2
UtrechtLand.png

The Republic of Utrecht was from 1852 until May 8, 1858 an independent Boer Republic in today's South African province of KwaZulu-Natal . The 32 km by 64 km Boer republic was named like its capital after the much larger city of Utrecht in the Netherlands .

In 1848 the Republic of Kliprivier was occupied by England. About two thirds of the Voortrekkers in Natal then moved further north to the area that later became known as the Orange Free State and Transvaal . In 1852 Voortrekker settlers exchanged 100 head of cattle with the Zulu King Mpande for mining rights in Zululand . However, the settlers claimed the land as property as early as 1854 and founded the Republic of Utrecht east of the Buffalo River in 1852 .

Due to its small population and the Boer aversion to central governments, it was ruled by a Landdrost (justice of the peace):

  • 1852–1855: Andreas Theodorus Spies (1800–1889), proclaimed the republic
  • 1855 – February 1856: Johannes Christoffel Steyn
  • February 1856-8. May 1858 Andreas Theodorus Spies (for the second time)

On May 8, 1858, the republic was integrated into the Republic of Lydenburg and together with it in 1860 into the South African Republic (CAR).

Finally, under the Anglo-Boer Treaty of May 31, 1902, the area was incorporated into the British colony of Natal, along with the Vryheid areas.