Coligny was declared a township in 1922. A town council was constituted in 1929. Originally named Treurfontein (well of sadness), the name was changed to honour Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, a staunch French Huguenot who was killed in the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew's Day (24 August 1572) in Paris. At first sight, Coligny gives the impression of being just another dusty, windswept village - forgotten in the mists of time and bypassed by modern life. In a way it has retained its "olde worlde" character, but it hides a wealth of history and fascinating character.