The line was immediately built through De Doorns, connecting it to Cape Town on the coast and reaching Montagu Road (later Touws River) in 1877, on its way to Kimberley.

It had the necessary infrastructure for exporting its produce, and the longest harvest season in the world - December to April.

During the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the town and its railway infrastructure played an important supporting role.

The stone blockhouses which were built to protect the vital railway link are still found in the valley.

[4] A village management board was instituted for De Doorns in 1933 and municipal status attained in 1951.