In 1667 Hieronymus Cruse a young corporal in the service of the Dutch East India Company, was dispatched on an exploratory mission, he identified the possibilities exciting in the area which was to become known as the Overberg region, twenty years later Izak Schrijver led an expedition and made friends with Chief Goukou, of the Hessequas (Koi tribe), this was the first of the several missions, opening up the area to be inhabited by farners. 

By 1727 five cattle outposts were established in the area. Jurgen Potgieter was the first on the farm "De Plattekloof". Other farms followed: Assegaaibosch, 1728; Welgevonden, 1730; Hollebak, 1733; Doornkraal and Zeekoegat in 1746. The farm Zeekoegat was a milepost on the road to the East.

In 1778 Governor van Plettenberg visited the farm on his trip, while in 1803 Commissioner De Mist and Dr. Lichtenstein also stayed there. In 1815 the Rev. Latrobe described it as one of the most beautiful farms along the Garden Route. It was one of the resting places of Sir Harry Smith in 1815 while on his epic journey to the Eastern Frontier.

As the population of the area increased the need for a church was identified,  at a meeting on 7 July 1837 it was decided to buy the farm Doornkraal, for use as a  "church farm". The old farmhouse was converted into a church and the rest of the farm was divided into plots, and were sold.

On 5 February 1838 the church was inaugurated and the need for a name for the community arose. Sir Harry Rivers, Civil Commissioner of  Swellendam, was approached for his permission to name the town Riversville after him. He declined and suggested that Riversdale would be a better name for the town. On the 30^th August 1838, Riversdale was proclaimed a town.

Riversdale is now a picturesque town with rich cultural heritage and numerous historical landmarks. All visitors are welcomed to the flourishing country town by the friendly residents. Riversdale maintains the peacefulness of old which is finely blended with modern day convenience. The town is the ideal base for one-day trips to travel around and explore the exotic natural beauty of the country.

Riversdale's ideal location gives it the advantage of being a short traveling distance to seaside towns such as Still Bay, Gouritsmond and Witsand and is also an excellent base for one-day trips to explore the variety of natural beauty, interesting places, charming 19^th century restored  houses, breathtaking hiking, hang gliding, fishing and water sports, 4 x 4 trails, and absailing alongside waterfalls.

Riversdale, Home of the Sleeping Beauty mountain peak - a well known landmark which never fails to capture the imagination - has earned its name of the Floral Paradise of the Garden Route because of the abundance of indigenous flora - referred to as Fynbos - which covers the mountains and surrounding areas. 

Location of Riversdale South Africa

Riversdale is located at the foot of the Sleeping Beauty mountain peak on the N2 highway between the mountain of Langeberg and the sea. It is only a few kilometers away from the towns like Still Bay and Witsand.