At some stage Prinsloo gave up parts of his farm and a farmer called Otto moved into the corner now known as Bestershoek. The Trichardt family followed, as well as the Besters.

Lord Charles Somerset, taking up the ideas promulgated by Cradock and Caledon that there should be a settlement on the Eastern Frontier, initiated a plan for an experimental farm in the area. American botanist, dr. Mackrill, was given orders to find a suitable farm, and was told to look at three places, the Gamtoos Valley, the Swartkops Valley and Bosberg, which he naturally chose.

The farm was established in 1815, for the purpose of improving stockbreeding in the Cape Colony and providing produce for the soldiers at the Frontier. It was called "Somerset Farm". Ten years later, in 1825, the project was cancelled, a new Drostdy was declared, and the town of Somerset was established. The "East" was only added on 30 years later.

The forested, mountainous backdrop creates a dramatic setting for the town (which is within sight of no less than 16 waterfalls). This is where you'll find the thickly wooded Boschberg Nature Reserve, with it's popular hiking trails - including a 15km circular route to an overnight hut at the summit of the mountain.

As the Route's name suggest, Somerset East is an excellent bird-watching destination - other adventures include trout fishing on two local dams, as well as malaria free safari and hunting operations. The highly-rated 9-hole golf course is said to be one of the most beautiful in the country.

Amongst the many noteworthy buildings in the town are the Old Wesleyan Chapel, which now houses the Somerset East Museum, and the officers' mess, which now houses the largest collection of paintings by the renowned South Africa artist Walter Battiss.

Annual events include the Castle Lager Biltong Festival, the Bruintjieshoogte Marathon, Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Tour (run between Pearston & South Africa) and the Spring Rose & Flower show - South Africa is known to produce some of the finest roses in the country.