Bethulie (E12)

Name:Bethulie

Google count:Bethulie 37 100
Date:26 July 2008

Historic fact:

http://bethulie.za.net/

Other interesting info:
In 1829 a Mission Station was established by the London Missionary Society for the local people, the San Bushmen, It was originally known as Groot Moordenaars Poort (Murderers Pass) after a very vicious clash between the Sotho and Griqua tribes.

It was founded in 1832 by the missionary Jean Pellissier, whose home is the oldest pioneer building north of the Orange River. It now houses a historical museum displaying items of the past and information on the life and trial of Jean Pellissier and Chief Lephoi and his people.

Until 1833 Bethulie was known as Caledon (after the nearby Caledon River). This name was in conflict with a Western Cape town bearing the same name. Then in 1833 a French Missionary Society, the "Paris Missionary Society" took over control of the ara and renamed the mission station Bethulia, meaning "Chosen by God”.


In 1835 it was renamed - Verheullpolis

In 1863 the town was established and and renamed - Heidelberg.

In 1872 the town was again renamed to Bethulie after the original mission station.


This rustic farming centre is home to a variety of historic memorials and places of interest, as well as many respected artists.

Following a violent period prior to its formation, including the slaughter of Griqua and San, it was perhaps well-advised that this picturesque cattle-farming town be given a name meaning 'chosen by God'

Formed around a mission station in 1829 and known by many names until the one settled on by directors of the Missionary Society (French). The name Bethulie is derived from the French word "Bethulia" meaning “Chosen by God”.

Behulie is of great historical significance as the largest of the concentration camps that were erected during the ABW (Anglo Boer War) was locaed here. It also has many outdoor attractions that will appeal to any visitor.



Activities
Concentration Camp
A sad commemoration of what was the largest of the camps used by the British in the Anglo-Boer War.

DH Steyn Bridge
A beautiful sandstone bridge near the town. It is the longest road and rail bridge at 1,2km in the country.

Dutch Reformed Church
A stately edifice, completed in 1887 and now a national monument.

Grave of JJ Venter
Former acting President of the Free State Province.

Horse Memorial
A tribute to horses and their courage on the battlefield.

Klaversfontein Rabbit Farm
15km Outside Bethulie, angora fur production can be viewed.

Louw Wepener Memorial
Wepener, who led Free State commandos in the second of the Basotho Wars, is honoured in this memorial 10km north of the town.

Ox-wagon Monument
A tribute to the Voortrekker' mode of transport.

Pellisier House Museum
The oldest settler-built building in the Free State. The original mission building, now houses historical items of Rev Jean Pellisier, its builder. This museum was erected as the residence of the reverend J.P.Pellisier, a French missionary of the Paris Mission Organisation. The lifestyle of the period can be appreciated by visitors. Household items as well as clothes, vehicles, furniture and a photo gallery are on display.(http://www.fs.gov.za/Departments/SAC/MUSEUM/bethulie.html)


http://www.places.co.za/html/bethulie.html

Where to stay:

How to get there:

Bethulie is very centraly located within South Africa, on the southern Free State border, approximatey 185km south of Bloemfontein, on route to Colesberg in the Western Cape and also from the Eastern Cape between the main national routes, the N1 and N6.

It can also be accessed on the R701 from south via the Gariep Dam (Hendrik Verwoerd Dam) (54Km), from the North via Smithfield (65Km) and Aliwal North (98Km) or from the west from Springfontein (35Km) off the N1

Famous sons:

Patick Mynhardt:
Born in Bethulie, O.F.S of an Afrikaans father and an Irish mother, Patrick was educated at Bethulie School and De La Salle College in East London. He then spent three "disastrous" years at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, where he discovered that he had a flair for acting. He joined the National Theatre Organisation in 1953 as an actor and toured the country for a year and a half appearing in English and Afikaans plays.
In 1954 he left for London where he trained at the Central School of Drama. After spells of dishwashing and potato-peeling, working in a liquor store, being a barman, then a clerk and even a railway porter (No. K 1037) at Kings Cross Railway Station in London, he eventually landed his first job in a repertory company.
More:
http://www.patrickmynhardt.com/Bio.asp

Rail story: DH Steyn Bridge, which is the longest road and rail bridge in the country