Simon van der Stel

Simon van der Stel
Portrait of Van der Stel by Pieter van Anraedt
1st Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony
In office
1 June 1691 – 2 November 1699 (1691-06-01 – 1699-11-02)
Preceded byHimself, as commander
Succeeded byWillem Adriaan van der Stel
Commander
10 December 1679 – 1 June 1691 (1679-12-10 – 1691-06-01)
Preceded byHendrik Crudop (acting)
Succeeded byHimself, as governor
Personal details
Born(1639-10-14)14 October 1639
Born at sea, Indian Ocean
Died24 June 1712(1712-06-24) (aged 72)
Constantia, Cape Colony
SpouseJohanna Jacoba Six
ChildrenWillem Adriaan van der Stel
Parent
EmployerDutch East India Company
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Simon van der Stel (14 October 1639 – 24 June 1712) was the first Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony (1691), the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope. He was interested in botany, establishing vineyards Groot and Klein Constantia, and producing a famous dessert wine. He is considered one of the founders of South African viticulture.