Fouriesburg, in the Free State, was established in 1892. It was named after the owner of the farm (Groenfontein) on which the town was laid out, Rooi Christoffel Fourie in 1982.
Rooi Christoffel donated the land for use as a temporary capital of the Free State, during the Second Boer War. Fouriesburg is centred around agriculture and tourism and was ranked first during South Africa's 2013 Kwela Kyknet "Dorp van die Jaar", (Town of the Year) competition. It was the site of several engagements during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). By 1902 the original settlement had been almost completely destroyed.
The Dutch Reformed church built in 1894 is situated on the site where Paul Kruger’s commando once made camp. Why stop in Fouriesburg? The mountains of Lesotho are only a short distance away, while the picturesque Meiringskloof Nature Park with its sandstone cliffs and caves is a mere 1.7 km from the town.
The sandstone building, Nagmaal (1894) may be of interest. Various hiking options available, the longest of which is the Brandwater Hiking Trail which starts and ends at Meiringskloof. It’s a taxing 72km/5-day circular trail – not for under 10 year olds. Pick cherries from November at farms in the area or stay at Fairview Estate’s Twin Towers - converted grain silos (self-catering). Watch the Ventersburg 4x4’Challenge (November) or visit the Rose Show in the same month.
By Ann Gadd
Fouriesburg lies within the territory disputed by the Basotho under Moshoeshoe I, resulting in the Basotho wars of 1858, 1865 and 1867....