Rouxville (F 12)

Name: Rouxville

Rouxville is a small town on the southernmost border of the Free State, probably one of the smallest towns in South Africa. Maybe you think that this is just a place to pass by on the way to the sea, but if turn off and spend a bit of time in our town you'll find it worth your while.
Rouxville is on the main road (N6) from Johannesburg to East London, 170km south of Bloemfontein via Reddersburg and Smithfield, and 39km from Aliwal North, where the hot springs are. The town was established on the farm Zuurbult as early as 1863, as a meeting place for the farming community. a place where religious meetings could be held.
There are a number of historical buildings to see in Rouxville, and although it's not immediately obvious, there are places to stay and eat too.

http://www.rouxville.info/

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Ever heard of Rouxville? You might have passed it after stopping over in Smithfield enroute to East London on the N6, thinking it's no more than a dorp with a fuel station, a bottle store and a Chinese shop. You would be wrong! Although as you enter Rouxville it is arguably not the most attractive facade, the true beauty lies only a street away...

Situated on the N6. Rouxville was founded by Petrus Wepenaar, in 1863 on the farm Zuurbult. It was named after Rev. Pieter Roux, who traveled throughout the Eastern Free State for many years holding church services for local communities. During the Anglo-Boer war all of it's citizens were called up and the town was completely deserted for two years. The town is at the centre of the wool producing areas of the Transgariep.

Rouxville is situated smack in the middle of a number of very other interesting places. You can easily drive in half an hour to most other places. Zastron, 30Km, Aliwal North 33Km, Smithfield 38Km, Gariep Dam +-60Km, Bethulie are all within easy reach. Even Lesotho is only +-70Km away. Places such as Lady Grey, the Witteberg (2769 Meters Avoca peak) and even the Drankensberg are easily accessible from Rouxville.

This small town however is a nice stop to enjoy walking around and take in the relaxing atmosphere. Like so many other dorps, it had it's glory days, was forgotten, but is slowly reviving in a different way.
The best selling point of Rouxville is probably its location. For two reasons: first of all it is in the middle of a number of other interesting places such as Smithfield, Aliwal, Xhariep and Zastron. Secondly, the impressive Maluti mountains in the back drop make it a place to stop and have a sit, enjoying the views. Compared to Smithfield it is clearly a less active town in terms of artists or restaurants, but it has the odd little shop, the sandstone church in addition to some other historical houses, a trekkers (tractor) museum and a number of eating places, with some new B&Bs and restaurants.

Most of all though it's about the relaxed atmosphere, the old and renovated houses and the views.
So next time you slow down to the 60km limit, take a turn into one of the streets and see for yourself.
http://www.smithfieldtourism.com/rouxville.htm
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