This was once an unprofitable ostrich farm, named after Sir Charles Hugh Mitchell who came to Natal as Colonial secretary in 1877 and in 1889. After having served in the Fiji islands, he became Governor of Natal and held this position for 15 years.
By the end of 1902, over two hectares of the farm had been cleared of the indigenous Berea bush, leaving the best specimens of the natural trees to form the basis of the park. The following five years saw the introduction of Mountain-, spotted- and Indian deer, as well as the local duiker-gazelle.
