The Ficksburg area was subject to the usual internal bickering between the native tribes of the Caledon Valley and white settlers were warned to keep gunpowder, a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition handy for immediate use. Another condition was that the settler’s homestead had to be erected within six months and have a strong surrounding wall in case of attack. The remains of some of these walls can still be seen today. After the final frontier war with the Basotho tribe in 1867, Ficksburg became one of the Free State strong points and lies at the foot of the Mpharane Mountain on the banks of the Caledon River. Up in the hills are numerous caves with lovely examples of San rock art. |
