Fauresmith, named after Rev Phillip Faure, is located 130 km south west of Bloemfontein and is the second oldest town in the Free State. Fauresmith is the only town in South Africa, and one of only three in the world, where the railway line runs down the centre of the main road; the line is no longer in use. The town is well known in equestrian circles for the annual 'National Equestrian Endurance Race during which the horses and riders must complete a gruelling 205 km course during the three days of the event. History: With the settlement of whites in the region, there was a need for a church. They wanted a farm for this purpose. After much negotiation (without success) with the British Government, a temporary church was built on the farm 'sannahspoort' - currently Fauresmith. The church council later bought Sannahspoort for (£1050). Immediately stands were sold to get the funds necessary to build a permanent church. An interesting condition of sale was that no spirits or other strong liquor may have been sold on any of the plots. The selling of plots was the biggest income of the church at the time. The surrounding towns of Philippolis, Trompsburg, Petrusburg, Edenburg, Koffiefontein, Luchoff and Jacobsdal were part of the congregation. After Bloemfontein, Fauresmith was the most important town in the Free State. The first House of Assembly had to choose between the two to determine which would be the capital of the Free State. The vote went to Bloemfontein with a two-vote majority. (Source: Wikipedia) (Aug-13).

There is no hospital in town, only a municipal clinic. (Jan-2015).

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link