Abbottabad

Bio

Abbottabad was founded and named after Major James Abbott in January 1853 as the headquarters of Hazara District during the British Raj[4] after the annexation of Punjab. He remained the first Deputy Commissioner of the Hazara district from 1849 until April 1853. Major Abbott is noted for having written a poem titled "Abbottabad", before his return to Britain, in which he wrote of his fondness for the town and his sadness at having to leave it.

n the early 20th century, Abbottabad became an important military cantonment and sanatorium, serving as the headquarters of a brigade in the Second Division of the Northern Army Corps.[5] The garrison consisted of four battalions of native infantry, of the Frontier Force (including the 5th Gurkha Rifles) and two native mountain batteries.[6]

A sunset scene in Abbottabad.

In 1901, the population of the town and cantonment was 7,764[5] with an average income of Rs. 14,900. This increased to Rs. 22,300 in 1903, chiefly derived from octroi. During this time chief public institutions were built such as the Albert Victor Unaided Anglo-Vernacular High School, the Municipal Anglo-Vernacular High School and the government dispensary.[6] In 1911, the population had risen to 11,506 and the town contained four battalions of Gurkhas.[7] In June 1948, the British Red Cross opened a hospital in Abbottabad to deal with thousands of injured being brought in from Kashmir.[8]

Founded 

Abbottabad

Tourism