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Farmers in the area on the Drakensberg side of the Mooi River used a crossing known as Meshlyn Road Drift, named after the farm Meshlyn further up in the Kamberg Valley, in order to reach the rest of the world by the most convenient route. This linked to both the wagon and then the rail route to Mooi River. To assist transport to and from Connington and the Kamberg Valley a bridge was constructed over the Mooi River. It was completed and officially opened on 16th December 1896. Around the same time as bridge construction was carried out, the farmers from the area petitioned the Colonial Government for a station to be built to serve their needs. Thus in 1897 the station was completed on the main line “near Meshlyn Road Drift” and the village which came to be known as Rosetta was born.
Early Settlement
The farm Wellington is the original farm on which Rosetta was established and the main house is a Sir Herbert Baker-inspired design. Sir Herbert Baker was a British architect under the patronage of Lord Milner, High Commissioner of Southern Africa and Governor of the Cape Colony (1897-1901). He designed many of the original farmhouses in the midlands area of which Wellington was one. He is also credited for designing the Union Buildings in Pretoria and St. Johns’ College in Johannesburg. His designs included a deep mosaic-tiled veranda, intricate wrought-iron pillars and wooden panelling with carved elaborate wooden fireplaces and stained glass windows.
Rosetta booked its place in KwaZulu Natal with the building of the Rosetta Hotel in 1896 while the construction of the Meshlyn bridge in 1895 across the Mooi River secured a route up into the Kamberg Valley and beyond. The bridge was opened by the Honourable TK Murray CMG Minister of Land and Works. Murray became a prominent figure in the defence of Natal against the Boer army. He was mentioned by Colonel Redvers Bullers in his dispatches back from the front lines for his efforts in much of the Natal conflicts.
Rosetta has an interesting and varied history. From a gateway to the fresh trout-filled waters of the Kamberg Valley, a pit stop while travelling the R103 to the old mill constructed on the village dam which was home to the “oldest and most trusted” flour in KwaZulu Natal – Blue Ribbon.