PIETERMARITZBURG

city, south-central KwaZulu/Natal province, South Africa. It lies in the Umsindusi River valley, at the base of a tree-covered escarpment, inland from Durban. Boers from the Cape Colony, who founded it in 1839 after a victory over the Zulus at Blood River, named it to honour their dead leaders Piet Retief and Gerrit Maritz. The British took control in 1843 and built Fort Napier (now a historical monument). Pietermaritzburg was incorporated in 1854 and was the capital of Natal (now KwaZulu/Natal) province from 1856 to 1994. It was co-capital with Ulundi (q.v.) of KwaZulu/Natal until 1995. Known as the City of Flowers for its azaleas, roses, and Botanical Gardens, the city shares with Durban the University of Natal (1910) and has many well-preserved late 19th-century government buildings, the Natal Museum, the Voortrekker Museum, and many recreational facilities. It has excellent highway and rail connections to Durban. Its industries include the manufacture of furniture and aluminum ware and the processing of wattle extract. At an elevation of 2,218 feet (676 m), the city is a gateway to KwaZulu/Natal's game reserves and mountain resorts. Pop. (1991) 228,549.