Francistown

Francistown developed where the railway reached the Monarch mining settlement in 1897. The connection between mineral extraction, railway infrastructure and commercial land subdivision explains the origins of its central streets and its continuing role in northern Botswana. The municipality's account traces the town's establishment to the railway and the Tati Concession, rather than to a purpose-built administrative capital.

Its urban development also reflects the gradual transfer of land from the Tati Company to public ownership after independence. Municipal planning now regulates land and building development across the city. This combination of a railway-era commercial centre, former concession land and subsequent public planning distinguishes Francistown's development from the later planned capital.