In 1890, British-born South African colonialists established Harare, which today stands as the capital of Zimbabwe. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Harare’s origins reflect a significant shift from a colonial outpost to a major urban center.
Establishment and Naming of Harare
Harare was founded as part of the British South Africa Company’s broader strategy to extend British influence in Southern Africa. Under the leadership of figures such as Cecil Rhodes, the company selected this location for its strategic importance. The Pioneer Column halted its advance into Mashonaland here, marking the beginning of Harare’s history. The city was initially named Salisbury in honor of Lord Salisbury, the British prime minister at the time. However, the name “Harare” is derived from Chief Neharawe, an indigenous leader whose community inhabited the area before the city’s establishment. This naming underscores the complex interplay between colonial ambitions and indigenous displacement.
Growth and Modern Development
Harare’s transformation from a colonial settlement to a bustling metropolis accelerated throughout the 20th century. Officially designated a municipality in 1897, the city initially thrived as a market and mining hub. Post-World War II, Harare experienced rapid industrialization and urban expansion, becoming a key economic and cultural center. The city served as the capital of Southern Rhodesia, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–63), and Rhodesia during its period of unilateral independence (1965–79). Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Harare was renamed from Salisbury to Harare, symbolizing the nation’s new political and cultural identity.
Today, Harare is a vibrant, modern city known for its high-rise buildings, tree-lined avenues, and cultural institutions. Prominent landmarks include the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, a Dutch Reformed church, the Queen Victoria Memorial Library and Museum, the National Archives, the University of Zimbabwe (established in 1957), and the Rhodes National Gallery.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Harare, situated at an elevation of 4,865 feet (1,483 meters), benefits from a temperate climate that enhances its role as a major economic and transportation hub. The city is well-connected by rail, road, and air, with an international airport in nearby Kentucky facilitating global trade. Harare is crucial for Zimbabwe’s agriculture, serving as a primary distribution point for products like Virginia tobacco, and is located near significant gold mines. Greater Harare includes diverse residential areas and industrial suburbs, such as Southerton, Graniteside, and Workington, alongside the populous township of Highfield. Covering 216 square miles (559 square kilometers), Harare’s population grew from 1,435,784 in 2002 to 1,485,231 in 2012, reflecting its ongoing development and significance as Zimbabwe’s capital.
Harare’s evolution from its colonial inception in 1890 to its current status as Zimbabwe’s bustling capital underscores its dynamic history and ongoing importance. Established as a strategic outpost and named after an indigenous leader, Harare has grown into a central economic, cultural, and political hub in Southern Africa. Its rich heritage, coupled with its vital role in commerce and transport, highlights its continued significance on both a regional and international scale. As Harare progresses, it remains a symbol of Zimbabwe’s historical depth and future potential.
