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#THE STORY OF HEIDELBERG

Heidelberg is a small town steeped in history and rich in architectural heritage. Established in 1866, this charming destination features well-preserved historical buildings that tell the story of its colonial past. The area was formerly known as the kraal of the Bakena until the onset of colonization and the Basotho wars.

Modern Heidelberg was established in 1862 as a trading post by a German named Heinrich Julius Ueckermann. A town was developed around his store and named after his alma mater. In 1866, the District of Heidelberg was formed from the eastern section of the Potchefstroom district, complete with its own landdrost (magistrate), having been designated as a church site in 1865.

 

Heidelberg has played a significant role in South African history, serving as the capital of the Boer republic during the conflict with Great Britain from 1880 to 1883 under the leadership of the Triumvirate of Paul Kruger, P.J. Joubert and M.W. Pretorius. The discovery of the Witwatersrand reef in 1885 led to the establishment of the Mining Commissioner's office here. Heidelberg evolved into a quintessential rural Victorian town, featuring many notable buildings.

Welcome to our exploration of Heidelberg's rich history. After extensive research and invaluable support from the Heidelberg Heritage Association, we're excited to share our findings with you. We hope you find as much joy in uncovering the stories of Heidelberg as we do. A heartfelt thank you to everyone dedicated to preserving and sharing this precious heritage!

#Heinrich Julius Ueckermann

While waiting here Heinrich wandered over the hills in search of game and down on to the adjoining farm “Langlaagte”, he found a small group of emigrants, from Uitenhage, that had settled on the banks of the Blesbok Spruit.

#Heidelberg once a war zone

Heidelberg, Gauteng, played a notable role in both the First and Second Boer Wars. It briefly served as the capital of the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek (Transvaal) in 1880-1881.

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#Early Heidelberg

Early Heidelberg through the eyes of a deltiologist - by Carol Hardijzer
 

I describe myself as a South African photo historian, but at the same time, also an avid deltiologist. So what does that mean? These two concepts are closely intertwined in that historical photographs and deltiology share a common interest in their visual representation. Combined, they contribute to presenting a variety of valuable historical narratives.

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#Brothers from Heidelberg  bomb the whisky train

The mine exploded under the goods train and several trucks turned over and rolled down the embankment. The Heidelbergers galloped up to find the cargo of alcohol for the Christmas and New Year celebrations headed for Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

#History of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Hendrik Potgieter and his party visited the Heidelberg district for the first time in 1836. They named the ridge Suikerbosrand. The first commando in the district was established in 1837, under the combined leadership of Hendrik Potgieter and Piet Uys.

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#Alice Glockner Nature Reserve​​

Alice Glockner Nature Reserve is home to a very rare butterfly, the Heidelberg Copper butterfly, the life cycle of which is dependent on the specific ecology of the reserve.

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#The Blesbokspruit

Originating north of Daveyton, the Blesbokspruit flows south and then west, passing through the towns of Springs, Nigel, and Heidelberg. It eventually merges with the Suikerbosrand River, a tributary of the Vaal River.

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#The Spookbrug

The mine exploded under the goods train and several trucks turned over and rolled down the embankment. The Heidelbergers galloped up to find the cargo of alcohol for the Christmas and New Year celebrations headed for Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

#Heidelberg Heritage Museum

Laid out and proclaimed a town in 1866 Heidelberg is one of Transvaal’s older towns. The towns’ Victorian architecture and rich history promise a memorable visit to all. Heidelberg Heritage Museum and its staff aim to keep the history alive through our historic buildings, heritage tours and the all-round experience that is offered. 

#Heidelberg Heritage Association

The Association awards 'Blue Plaques' to recognize and commemorate significant historical sites and heritage buildings in Heidelberg. These plaques are part of a larger series, with plaque number 84 recently awarded to the Heidelberg Crown Hotel.

#1 Old Gaol / Old Prison

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#2 Maj Vallentin's HQ

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#3 The Tailor shop

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#4 The Goodwin Residence

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#5 Ou Pastorie

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#6 Laer Volkskool

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#7 Klipkerk

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#8 Van Belkum Hall

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#9 Oak View Manor

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#10 Excelsior Hostel

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#11 Dr O'Reilly's House

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#12 Nederduitsche Hervormde Church

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#13 Arthur House

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#14 The Club House

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#15 Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg

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#16 Old Land Bank

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#17 Goedehoop Koshuis

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#18 Crab Apple Cottage

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#19 Entabeni

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#20 Mr Maré's House

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#21 Heidelberg Railway Station

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#22 Kenton Villa

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#23 60 Van Der Westhuizen Str

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#24 Von Geusau House

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#25 Heidelberg Presbyterian Church

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#26 Heidelberg Methodist

Church

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#27 Dr Hale's Practice

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#28 28 Fenter Street

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#29 Lutheran Church

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#30 General Piet Viljoen's House

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#31 St Ninian's Anglican Church

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#32 40 HF Verwoerd Street

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#33 Nooitgedacht

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#35 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

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#36 26 Fenter Street

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#37 Ou Herberg Hotel

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#38 Police Barracks​

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#39 De Heidelberg School

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#40 Harvey's Chemist

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#41 Kilian's Residence

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#42 Maternity Hospital

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#43 7 Pretorius Street

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#44 Rensburg Houses

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#45 Mr Dettmann's House

23 Pretorius Street

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#46 Old Standard Bank

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#47 Die Ou Meule

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#48 Settler House​

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#49 81 Merz Street

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#50 97 Strydom Street

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#51 85 Pretorius Street

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#52 Magistrate Maré's House

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#53 83 Merz Street

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#54 Heidelberg Tractors

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#55 Mr Blyth's Residence

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#56 Die Wyestoep Huis

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#57 Heidelberg Cabinet Makers

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#58 54 Marais Street

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#59 The Lilienfeld Residence

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#60 42 Begeman Street

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#61 29 Jacob Street

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#62 Jewish Synagogue

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#63 2 Retief Street

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#64 24 Arnoldi Street

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#65 9 Pretorius Street

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#66 - 1928 House

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#67 5 Fenter Street

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#68 Dr AG Visser House

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#69 Mr WWJJ Bezuidenhout's

Town House

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#70 95 HF Verwoerd Street

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#71 De Rust

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#72 Heidelberg Konsentrasiekamp Begrafplaas

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#73 Heidelberg Pound

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#74 Oom Paul's Fountain​

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#75 Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery

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#77 Ou Preekstoel Klipkerk

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#78 Konsentrasiekamp Terrein

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