Keur River Bridge (1848)

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This solid bridge was designed by Charles Mitchel and built by Henry White (who also built Montagu Pass). It is protected by the National Heritage Resources Act. The river is named after the trees growing in the area.



The opening ceremony of the Montagu Pass was held here on 19 January 1848.





Miscellaneous info:

John Cooper of Oudtshoorn was in love with Alice Lee of Somerset East (both had spouses and children). After a three day lover's tryst at the George Hotel, they set out for Oudtshoorn. Their Journey ended at the Keur River bridge. Mrs. Lee was found with her long hair down and in disarray, one arm of her coat was almost ripped off. Near her lay John Cooper. Within reach of his hand was a recently fired revolver. In Cooper's car were letters for his wife and eldest son.

Jannie Meyer recounted that some nights when young men raced down the pass on their bicycles, they saw Cooper and his mistress gliding half a meter above the road. Theunis Muller and Izak Theron were two Georgians who swore that they saw the ghosts more than once.

(George and Knysna Herold 18.08.1915 reports that Mr Cooper shot Mrs Lee and then shot himself)






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