Overview:

The Lobatse Railway Station Monument is a tribute to the nation's railway system, which had a significant impact on the development of the country during the colonial era. The monument consists of a bronze plaque and two sculpture figures standing at the entrance of the station, indicating the importance of rail transport in Botswana.The monument has three parts –the plaque, the central sculpture, and the figures – each conveying different messages. The plaque at the center of the monument explains the development and importance of rail transport in Botswana, and the country's commitment to ensure the continuity of the railway system. The figure on the south side of the plaque is of a wheeled cart, representing traditional transport as it existed before the introduction of the railway. The figure on the north side is of a steam locomotive, symbolizing the development of rail transport in the country. Nearby, the pathway is marked with two station stones indicating the distance to Francistown and Lobatse, and representing the journey taken by passengers in those days. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

The Lobatse Railway Station Monument in Botswana is a monument commemorating the development of the railways in the country. The Lobatse Railway Station Monument was erected in 1988 to commemorate the arrival of the first locomotive to the city in 1919. It stands at the junction of the Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana railways and is a symbol of national pride. The monument is made up of two pillars, a bell, and a plaque commemorating the first railroad. One pillar is made of Zimbabwean granite, while the other is made of Botswana sandstone. The bell was made by Bellfoundry Ltd in Johannesburg, South Africa. The plaque reads, "Dedicated to mark the arrival of the first locomotive at the Lobatse Railway Station in 1919". The Lobatse Railway Station Monument is an important landmark in Botswana’s history and is a reminder of the progress made in the country over the past century. This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Lobatse Railway Station Monument in Botswana is a reminder of the importance of Lobatse Station in the country’s colonial railway history. The station was the terminus of the Cape to Cairo railway line, which was completed by the British South Africa Company in 1897. The line connected Mafeking in South Africa to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe and beyond to Egypt. The station was built on the town’s main street and featured an octagonal turntable, locomotive roundhouse, and a workshops complex. It was an important stop between Mafeking and Bulawayo for freight and passengers as Lobatse was the administrative centre of the then-Southern Bechuanaland Protectorate. The station’s decline began in the late 1930s when the line was re-routed to the now- defunct railway town of Ramathaga and then to South Africa. The Lobatse Railway Station Monument is a reminder of the city’s role in Botswana’s transition from colonial rule. It was erected in 2015 to mark the 118th anniversary of the station’s opening. It is a tall, imposing structure with a circular carved base depicting the railway line between Lobatse and Bulawayo and the train wheel rotating around it. The monument was unveiled on 30th November 2015 and is now a popular tourist attraction in Lobatse. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Lobatse Railway Station Monument in Botswana is the oldest existing railway station in the country. 2. Built in 1910, the station is an important example of colonial style architecture and engineering in Botswana. The two-storey building including the station master’s office incorporates elements of Cape Dutch architecture. 3. The station is located in the municipality of Lobatse which is the former British administrative capital of the country. 4. The station is a short distance from the Botswana-South Africa border and was a major trading post for goods passing between the two countries before Botswana's independence in 1966. 5. The station provides regular passenger and freight services, connecting Lobatse to the major cities of Gabarone, Maun, and Francistown. 6. It is currently managed by Botswana Railways and the Botswana Railways Museum featuring Railway artifacts and memorabilia from the colonial era can be found inside the station. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.