Simon's Town (pop. 6,000), 6km/4mi south of Fish Hoek at the end of the electric rail line from Cape Town, took its name from Governor Simon van der Stel. Thanks to its sheltered situation it became in 1741 the winter port for Cape Town and 1957 the main base and training center of the South African Navy. The harbor is also used by many fishing
boats and yachts. In the section of St George's Street between the railroad station and Jubilee Square, known as the Historical Mile, there are a number of fine 18th and 19th C buildings.