Smithfield, Free State

Smithfield is a small town in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded in 1848 when the then Cape Colony governor, Sir Harry Smith, required a settlement north of the Orange River. Smithfield is the third oldest village in Free State.

History

"Waterval" farm was the original site chosen in 1848 for settlement. However, when plots were offered for sale, there were no takers. Farmers were dissatisfied with the site (24 km west of present-day Smithfield). They then opted for "Rietpoort", where there was abundant water. The new town was named New Smithfield (the "New" soon fell away), named after Sir Harry Smith. The Second Boer War General Christiaan de Wet was born on the nearby farm "Leeukop" in 1854.

Geographic setting

The town is tucked into a horseshoe of hills, some 132 km southeast of Bloemfontein along the national road to Port Elizabeth. The Caledon River bounds Smithfield on the east and south. The district is drained by various tributaries of this river, the Vinkel and Wilgeboom Spruits being the largest. As the town lies 13 km west of the river, water has to be obtained from boreholes around the town dam.

Demographics and economy

Smithfield has a small population of approximately 4,500. It is a prosperous wool-growing district, in addition to cattle farming. Originally an important wool-growing area, in recent times its position astride major tourist routes, has lent impetus to growing tourism.

Places of interest

"Ou Grietjie", a cannon used by the Free State in the Basuto wars, has been mounted in front of the magistrate's office. It was named after Margaret (Grietjie), wife of the gunner Robert Finlay.

The Caledon River museum is located in town. The Carmel and Beersheba missionary posts are experiencing some revival, with houses increasingly renovated.

The well-maintained local golf course dates back more than 100 years. Its facilities are open to guests, as are local tennis and bowls clubs. (portions of text adapted from pula house web site at [http://www.pula-house.com pula-house] ).

Hills surrounding the town are considered well-suited to hiking, walking, horse-riding and birdwatching in relative isolation. Local secondary roads are suitable for mountain biking.

Blesbok and some Zebra are to be found in the open savanna.

Archaeology

Archaeologically, the name Smithfield is well known as an important Stone Age culture was named after the town.Fact|date=November 2007 Renowned scientist George Stow excavated a cave near Smithfield in 1877 and found tools from the Late Stone Age which he described in the book, "Native races of South Africa". Bushman paintings are present in nearby hills.

External links

* [http://www.smithfieldtourism.com/images/Dec2005/small/slideshowall.htm Slideshow with pictures of Smithfield on www.southernfreestate.co.za]
* [http://www.smithfieldtourism.com/smithfield.htm Info on Smithfield]
* [http://www.smithfield.co.za Smithfield.co.za site]
* [http://www.smithfieldtourism.com/country_life.htm 3 Countrylife magazine articles on Smithfield]