The district of Colesberg was proclaimed on 8 February 1837. Over the next 52 years various portions of its territory wereseparated to form new divisions at Albert and Richmond in 1848, Middelburgin 1858, Hanover in 1876, and Philipstown and Steynsburg in 1889. Thedivision lies on an elevated plateau studded with flat-topped koppieswhich, in pre-colonial times, wasthe habitat of vast herds of buck. The region suffered from a dearth of naturaltimber but its extensive plains were suited for sheep farming.

The following census figures are available for the division:

1841 census: 9,026 residents

1865 census: 8,115 residents, of whom 2,127 were literate

1875 census: 10,368 residents, of whom 2,798 were literate

1891 census: 8,288 residents, of whom 2,574 were literate

1904 census: 11,716 residents, of whom 4,496 were literate

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