The Natal Colony was a British colony located on the eastern coast of present-day South Africa. Established in 1843, it was named after the Natal region, which was discovered by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497. The colony was known for its fertile land and strategic port at Durban, which became a key center for trade and agriculture. The Natal Colony played a significant role in the history of South Africa, particularly during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. It was home to a diverse population, including British settlers, Afrikaners, and the Zulu people. The colony was eventually incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910, marking the end of its status as a separate entity.