The building was designed by captain
Curt von François, in order to serve as headquarters of the
imperial German Schutztruppe (colonial military force), during
German colonization of South West Africa. The location of Windhoek, which was deserted and completely destroyed at that time, was chosen because the Germans felt it would serve as a buffer zone between the
Nama and
Herero tribes. The fort was, however, never involved in any military action. The foundation was laid on 18 October 1890 by the then
Schutztruppe private
Gustav Tünschel. The building was redesigned multiple times during the first years; its final layout was only completed in 1915. in March 1915. The Alte Feste now served as military headquarters for the South African Union troops. In 1935 the fort was used for a more peaceful purpose when it was converted into a hostel for the adjacent
Windhoek High School. Already severely dilapidated, it was declared a National Monument in 1957. The building was renovated extensively in 1963. In 2010, the
Reiterdenkmal, Windhoek's well-known equestrian monument, was placed in front of the Alte Feste. It was removed and placed in storage on Christmas Day in 2013. ==Usage==