The History Of Katong
History
Katong (also known as Tanjong Katong) was an early milestone in Singapore. It denoted the eastern border of the British settlement established by Stamford Raffles in 1819. Katong’s old boundaries covered the Upper East Coast Road coastal stretch all the way to Tanjong Rhu.
While Katong is now primarily a self-sufficient state, it used to be known for its beachside retreats and boathouses. The main Katong Road extends from Sims Avenue to Katong Road South, where Katong Flyover connects to East Coast Parkway.
Early Development of Katong
In 1822, Stamford Raffles established Katong as a marine yard, fostering a thriving boatyard industry by 1860. Once a seaside retreat,
The area’s roads, named after British seaside towns, were once part of Thomas Dunman’s sprawling coconut plantation. it attracted wealthy Europeans, Jews, and Peranakans who built grand mansions and hotels.
Historical Highlights of Katong
During the Japanese occupation, Tanjong Katong’s shophouses housed comfort women from Indonesia and Korea, and some retain their vintage 70s charm today
Katong Etymology
Tanjong means cape in one of Singapore’s official languages, Malay. It used to have such a coastal feature near the previously mentioned connection between Katong Flyover and East Coast Parkway. However, it’s now lost due to land reclamation.
Tanjong Katong as a whole is Malay for “turtle point.” Katong was the name of a now-extinct sea turtle species, but it also refers to Fata Morgana. The latter is the effect of a superior mirage seen on a narrow band above the horizon visible from the shorelines.
Katong Landmarks
Katong has many old-style kopitiams (coffee shops) and two-story shophouses between Dunman Road and East Coast Road. Meanwhile, people can find shopping centers, the City Plaza, and Tanjong Katong Complex near Geylang Road.
Those looking for the oldest buildings might be interested in the Katong Post Office. It opened around 1933 in an old two-story colonial house and still stands in its original location. Over time, it had several renovations, shedding its authentic colonial look and extending the building.
Other old places have been around for more than a century, including the Shangai Chen Hin Dry Cleaning Co and the Katong News Agency.Finally, Chung Cheng High School’s main branch on Goodman Road housed many student demonstrations back in the 50s.