History of Montagu:

Montagu was founded in 1851 on the farm Uitvlucht. It lies between the Keisie and Kigna rivers which join at the western extremity of the town. The first erven were sold and the Dutch Reformed congregation was established. The village was named after John Montagu, then the Colinial Secretary of the Cape. Most of the erven were sold to colonists from the Wagon Builders Valley near Wellington from where building materials had to be lugged by ox wagon over Bain's Kloof to Montagu.

Most of our Cape Dutch thatched roof houses date form the years 1853-1870. It is generally accepted that Joubert House situated in Long Street, built in 1853, is the oldest house in Montagu. It is now used as a section of the Montagu Museum and depicts the lifestyle of the 19th century.

Montagu is famous for its hot mineral springs. No one can ascertain when they were discovered but the manner of the discovery is as follows: In the very early days trekkers often followed the course of rivers, and, according to archives, the wagon on one such nameless pioneer became stuck in the rocks of the river bed. In his efforts to free the wheels, his hand was badly injured. The trekkers traced the rivers' course were they discovered the hot springs. The injured hand, bathed frequently in the warm waters, healed miraculously. News of the healing water was soon spread by word of mouth and as a result people started visiting the hot springs.