PORT ELIZABETH

port city, Eastern province, South Africa. It lies on Algoa Bay of the Indian Ocean. Port Elizabeth was established in 1820 as a British settlement around Fort Frederick (1799), the oldest British building in southern Africa, and was named by Sir Rufane Donkin, the acting governor of the Cape Colony, for his deceased wife, Lady Elizabeth. Completion of the Kimberley Railroad (1873) spurred development of the port, which at times handles imports for Zambia and Zimbabwe and exports manganese and iron ore, wool, coal, and citrus fruit. Its deepwater harbour is enclosed by a breakwater. The city climbs the foot of a 200- to 300-foot (60- to 90-metre) plateau and occupies both banks of the small Baakens River. The residential area is on flat tableland, with an industrial sector at the north end. Port Elizabeth is dotted with parks, notably St. George's Park and Settlers' Park Nature Reserve, and is known for its oceanarium. The University of Port Elizabeth was founded in 1964. Excellent communications, cheap power, and water combine to create one of the country's busiest manufacturing centres, mainly concerned with the automotive industry. Tourists are attracted by fine beaches, excellent surfing, and the nearby Addo Elephant National Park. Inc. town, 1861; city, 1913. Pop. (1985) 272,844.