Copper Train

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– Steinkopf became part of the copper railway line in 1873.
– The railway line reached Steinkopf, making it a busy station.
– It served as a key point for transporting stock to South West Africa, Namibia.
– Featured large rectangular water tanks, unlike typical circular red tanks.
– Last train traveled to Okiep in 1942.
– The railway was largely demolished and sold as scrap in 1944.
– Ended over seventy years of Steinkopf as a railway station. The decline of the railway marked a significant shift in the local economy, which had relied heavily on the transport of copper and livestock. With the closure of the station, many businesses faced challenges in accessing markets. The community gradually adapted, exploring new avenues for economic growth, including tourism and agriculture. Remnants of the railway still evoke nostalgia among residents, serving as a reminder of Steinkopf’s vibrant history as a transportation hub. Today, the site of the former station is a focal point for historical preservation efforts