Information on Harrismith, Free State, South Africa

Conference Venues South Africa brings you information on Harrismith situated in the Free State Province of South Africa including information on Facilities and Recreation, Climate, Founding, History Suburbs, Town Planning and Geography.

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Harrismith History

The town was founded in 1849 and named after British Governor Harry Smith, who tried to persuade the disillusioned Voortrekkers not to abandon Natal.The town was initially laid out by Robert Moffat about 25km from the present location, in present day Aberfeldy on the Elands River. This site unfortunately proved to be deficient in water and Harrismith was shifted to its present site in January 1850. Twenty-four years later it became a municipality and during the diamond rush at Kimberley, the town became a busy staging post on the Natal transport route. As a direct result of this, hotels, stores and public buildings sprang up. Harrismith was a major base during the South African War and visitors can see the numerous battle sites, blockhouses and a military cemetery that are evidence of this.

The town's main street, Warden Street, is named after Major Henry D. Warden, at that time a British resident in Bloemfontein.The town is around 90 kilometers from Ladysmith, a town named after Sir Harry Smith's wife that is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province.The small nearby hamlet of Swinburne is named after Sir Johan Swinburne, a gold prospector.

Towns and Suburbs of the Free State province of South Africa

Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Brandwag, Clarens, Dan Pienaar, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, Gariep Dam, Harrismith, Kroonstad, Ladybrand, Langenhovenpark, Parys, Rayton, Sasolburg, Senekal, Smithfield, Thaba Nchu, Vredefort, Welkom, Wepener