Places to Stay in Fouriesburg, Free State, South Africa

Geography

Fouriesburg, a farming centre roughly 10km from the Lesotho border, is flanked by the Rooiberg to the northeast and the Witteberge to the west. From Bethlehem, the town is roughly 66km along the R711 via Clarens. The views of the Witteberge and the Maloti Mountains stretching into Lesotho are particularly impressive from Fouriesburg.

History

Established on the farm Groenfontein, Fouriesburg was named after Christoffel Fourie, the farm's owner. As it is situated so close to the border, the little town has become a main trading centre for the goods that move between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Some of the economic activities taking place in Fouriesburg today include wheat, maize and cattle farming. The town holds an important position in the history of the South Africa (Anglo-Boer) War, as it was the last official seat of the fugitive government of the Orange Free State, and as a result took heavy poundings frOm the British forces and their ammunition. It was at the nearby Surrender Hill where General Prinsloo surrendered to the British Forces on the 29th July 1900.

Arts and Culture

The town of Fouriesburg has a number of interesting old sandstone buildings including the oldest Nagmaal cottage, which is still occupied. The house where the fugitive goverment leader, Free State President MT Steyn was living during the final surrender to the British, can still be seen at the corner of Reitz and Robertson Streets. Other lovely buildings include the Dutch Reformed Church of 1894, and the old Fouriesburg hotel built in 1892. The area has evidence of a more ancient culture and artistic tradition too - there are numerous spots in the surrounding hills where excellent examples of San rock art and engravings can be viewed.

Science

Of interest to nature and outdoor enthusiasts is the Meiringskloof Nature Reserve, which is within the vicinity. Besides the interesting wildlife, the area is home to Salpeterkrans, the largest sandstone overhang in the southern hemisphere. There is a massive cave here, where it is believed that a group of women lived for six months during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. For excercise junkies, the reserve is also the start and end point of the the 5-day Brandwater Hiking Trail. If you are intrigued by feats of modern engineering, the Fouriesburg Information Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, providing some interesting facts on the planning and implementation of the ambitious project.