Transgariep is the vast, outstretched landscape that lies in the southern tip of the Free State. Its dry vegetation of grass and shrubs covers the hills and vallleys, and is a reflection of the wild and free spirit of this land. The Orange River forms the natural boundary in the south. This country is unspoilt, unpolluted and sparsely populated. The quaint, small towns are clean, and harbours the friendliest people, who are always ready to welcome visitors, whether they are from South Africa or abroad.
Appeal Court in Bloemfontein Copyright: South African Tourism
The Eerste Raadsaal (First Parliament Building) was built in 1849 as a school. It is Bloemfontein's oldest surviving building still existing in its original condition and is still in use as seat of the Provincial Legislature. The National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre houses a repository of works by prominent Afrikaans authors. Exhibits in the Afrikaans Music Museum and the Theatre Museum (part of the Centre) include old musical instruments, sheet music, costumes, photographs and furniture. The National Museum is notable for its wide collection of fossils, cultural-historical exhibits and archaeological displays, including the Florisbad skull, which was discovered in the thirties at the Florisbad spring, about 50 km north of Bloemfontein. The National Women's Memorial is a sandstone obelisk, 36,5 m high, which commemorates the women and children who died in concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer/South African War. The War Museum not only gives the visitor insight into the War through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibits, but also brings the visitor closer to understanding the background against which the War took place. Visitors are also afforded a glimpse into the life in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. The research library contains an extensive collection of Africana. The Old Presidency dates back to 1885 and was the official residence of three Presidents of the former Republic of the Orange Free Sate. The Presidency houses a museum depicting their respective terms of office, and a cultural centre for art exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical events.
Bridge over Orange River Copyright: Xhariep District Municipality
The village is situated on the banks of the Orange River and western corner of the Gariep Dam. This is a good stopover for travellers from the Cape to the interiour. The Pellisier House Museum warrants a visit, and on the outskirts of town, the DH Steyn Bridge at 2.993 meter, is the longest bridge in the country. Here you can visit Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve for game viewing and hunting.
Ladybrand is a small agricultural town in the Free State province of South Africa, situated 18 km from Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Founded in 1867 following the Basotho Wars, it was named after Lady Catharine Brand, the mother of the speaker of the Cape Province legislative assembly, Sir Christoffel Brand. The settlement of Ladybrand was created by Voortrekkers to give them control over the territories conquered and captured after the above mentioned Basotho war. In 1900, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, Ladybrand came under the control of the British.
Boer War gun and church Copyright: Xhariep District Municipality
Philippolis is the oldest settlement in the Free State and its origin can be traced as far back as a mission station that received its name from Rev. John Philip in 1823. It belonged to the London Missionary Society and was used for the benefit of the resident San. The Griqua leader, Adam Kok, settled in Philippolis with his people in 1826, and was appointed as a protector for the mission. When the Orange Free State government agreed to sell the land to Great Britain for 400 pounds Adam Kok migrated to Griqualand East. Many of the town buildings in this lovely old historic town have been declared National Monuments and they make delightful viewing.
Philippolis is truly a journey through the past in the present where old historic canons keep watch over present times. Many houses, some dating back to earlier than 1860, still have the typical architectural style of those years. For tourists that enjoy a look into the life of yesteryear this is absolutely the perfect destination.
Tip: If you're there during April, do not miss the annual Witblits Festival!
The town was founded in 1876 on the banks of Jammersbergspruit, a tributary of the Caledon River, and named for Louw Wepener who was killed in 1865 while trying to storm Moshweshwe's stronghold of Thaba-Bosiu in the Free State's second war against the Basotho. Wepener was the southern most of several settlements founded by the Free Stater's in the 'conquered territories' to prevent the Basotho from resettling the land taken from them during the war of 1865. The Dutch Reformed parish was established in 1870 and the town was granted its first management board in 1875. Today the town is a commercial centre of a 1725 square km district where mixed farming is practised. The district of Wepener was the scene of many battles raids and skirmishes during the 19th century. Many graves, mostly without identification, are sad reminders of the events in the valley of Jammersbergspruit during this stormy period. During the Anglo-Boere War a British garrison of 2000 men under Col E.H. Dalgety was attacked by General Christiaan de Wet at Jammersdrift on the Caledon River. The siege lasted 17 days - until reinforcements arrived on 25 April 1900 to end the battle in favour of the British.
