Fouriesburg is a small town situated at the junction of the R711 Regional Route and R26 Provincial Route in the eastern region of the Free State province of South Africa.
Overview
| Country: | South Africa |
| Province: | Free State |
| District: | Thabo Mofutsanyana |
| Municipality: | Dihlabeng |
| Established: | 1892 |
| Name After: | Christoffel Fourie |
| Total Area: | 12.8 km² (4.9 sq mi) |
| Population: | 19,425 (2011) |
| Population Density: | 1,520/km² (3,930/sq mi) |
| Time Zone: | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal Code (street): | 9725 |
| PO Box: | 9725 |
| Area Code: | 058 |
About Fouriesburg
Fouriesburg is situated on the R26 Provincial Route, only 11 km from Caledonspoort Border Post, which gives access to Lesotho for easy access to the ski resort and has a fantastic view of the Maluti Mountains.
Founded in 1892 and named after a local farmer Christoffel Fourie, Fouriesburg was one of the strongholds of the Boer forces during the Anglo Boer War, serving as a temporary seat of the Free State government. Surrender Hill is a memorial to fallen British soldiers and Boers. Four thousand Boers surrendered here and the majority were sent to India as prisoners of war.
Visit the sandstone church, the blockhouse (only 2 of it’s type South Africa) and museum, where former commandos camped Pres Steyn House – the lowly dwelling of the former Free State President.
The Fouriesburg Country Inn is steeped in history and the facades are taken from historical railway buildings.
The underground wine cellar is also an unique feature. Meiringskloof, a picturesque reserve, includes the 5 day Brandwater Hiking Trail and a cave where women took refuge during the Anglo Boer war.
The largest sandstone overhang in the southern hemisphere, Salpeterkrans, is still used for ancestral worship by local tribes.
The majority of Fouriesburg’s population speak the Sotho language.
Fouriesburg has the predominant function of a small service centre and is increasingly being supported by the Tourism industry. 67% of the population resides in urban areas and 33% in surrounding rural areas.
