Historical Sights & Buildings
Klaassen Hall
This spectacular building belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church and is situated in Church Street.
The foundation stone was laid in 1940.
Reformed Church
Reverend Dirk Postma founded this congregation at Grootfontein in 1860.
In 1979 it was declared a National Monument.
Market Square and the Mayor's Garden
It all started in 1852. Encircled by Murray-, Market-, Van Reenen- and Loop Streets, here on the Outspan, originated the Dutch Reformed Church, Reformed Church, the Methodist Church and Town Hall. Today, part of it is known as the Mayor's Garden.
Old Water Pump
Queen Victoria made this gift to the town in 1887 when she had reigned for 50 years. Victoria- and Jubilee Streets have been named after her.
The water pump stands in the Mayor's Garden.
Burger Monument
This graceful obelisk was erected in 1929 to honour the memory of 19 burgers who fell during the Anglo Boer War.
Chair Monument
This monument at Ouberg marks the spot where two rebels, Commandant Lotter and Lieutenant Wolfaardt, were executed during the Anglo Boer War in 1901.
Steam Roller
The steam roller on Market Square, next to the Town Hall, was bought in 1938 to build streets and to prepare a few streets for tarring. A skilful operator would be able to operate this steam roller as it is still in perfect working condition.
Karel Theron Primary School
The school erected in 1908, was once the largest school in the Cape Province. It was named after Mr Karel Theron, who saw his school grow from a two-teacher primary school to a high school. He was the principal for 35 years. The elegant facade in Victoria Street lures many an enthusiastic photographer.
Warden House - Old Prison
This historical stone building today houses the local Tourism Office. It dates back to the early years of Middelburg and was the residence of the warden of the prison. The prison building itself was largely destroyed by floods.
Middelburg Cultural History Museum
The building on the corner of Bennie and du Plessis Streets was previously
known as the Poor School. This school was opened in 1898 for children
of the poor.
In 1982 the Poor School became the Cultural History Museum, which
contains fascinating memorabilia and history from the stone age to modern
day. Displays vary from the Anglo Boer War, 100 year old Xhosa beadwork,
San artefacts, to works by the internationally renowned aviation artist,
Tiro Vorster. The museum portrays the everyday life of the community of
a small town in the isolation of the Great Karoo The main building was
erected
in 1906. Ample parking.
Open: Mondays to Fridays, 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:30
Admission: R 2.00 per person
Tel: + 27 (0)49 842-1337 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842-1310
Address: PO Box 55, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900.
Middelburg Three Memorial
Erected in the memory of the Middelburg three freedom fighters.
Situated at the entrance to KwaNonzame Township.
PW Vorster Museum - Grootfontein
The van der Walt and Vorster families played an important part in the history
of Grootfontein. The PW Vorster
Museum is housed in the building that was erected in 1827. It was renovated
in 1887 when a gable was added. Inside the Museum, photographs and information
about the founder families can be seen. Relics from the military era shed
light on the time when the peace keeping force was stationed here. The PW
Vorster Museum can be visited by appointment.
Open: By prior arrangement.
Tel: + 27 (0)49 842-1113 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842-4352
Address: Private Bag X 529, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900
Officers' Mess (Huis Karoo) - Grootfontein
This magnificent building was erected during the military era at Grootfontein.
It served as a Mess for the officers, who formed part of the Peace Keeping
Force, stationed at Grootfontein from 1903 to 1910. The building material,
as well as the plans for the building, were imported from Britain. The building
was declared a National Monument and can be visited by appointment.
Open: By prior arrangement.
Tel: + 27 (0)49 842-1113 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842-4352
Address: Private Bag X 529, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900
British Military Pumping Station
The pumping station was erected in about 1904 by the British troops that were stationed at Grootfontein. Its site is the marshland from which the actual "Groote Fontein" springs. Good quality bricks and cement were used to create the many Roman arches, which have subsequently been bricked up. On the other side of the hallway is an upstairs gallery, which originally accommodated water tanks used to cool the oil-driven pumps. Below are two storerooms.
Visits: By prior arrangement.
Tel: + 27 (0)49 842 1113 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842 4352
Address: Private Bag X 529, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900
Mile Dam
Close to the Pumping station at Grootfontein, one can find the Mile Dam. Thus named because its wall was originally a mile long. This dam was built during the depression years (1930's) by subsidised white labour to catch rainwater and augment the fountain.
Visits: By prior arrangement.
Tel: + 27 (0)49 842 1113 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842 4352
Address: Private Bag X 529, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900
