s m i t h f i e l d . c o . z a
Smithfield History
Historic Sites
CALEDON RIVER MUSEUM
5 Douglas Street
The Caledon River Museum is housed in the old principal's house in Smithfield. the museum has a wide range of interesting themes, with “Old Grietjie”, the six pounder ships cannon, being the focal point. The cannon was named after Margaret (Grietjie) Finlay, wife of gunner Robert Finlay. The cannon was used during the Renoster River conflict in 1857, throughout the Basotho wars and the laying of the cornerstone of the Dutch Reformed Church. “Grietjie” played an important role in the Smithfield Commando and is surrounded by objects depicting history, battles and everyday activities. Other prominent exhibitions are: those which portray the history of the Dutch Reformed Church; Anglo-Boer War memorabilia; missionary work done especially at Carmel and Berseba; the wool industry on the farm Traacha and examples of a historical farm kitchen and pantry.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 15:30 | Weekends and public holidays: By appointment | Entrance is free
HISTORIC GRAVEYARD
Top end of Rascher Street
Recently renovated, the graveyard offers a glimpse into Smithfields past. The graves marked with QR codes, and there is an on going project to put biographical information onto the website. Also new is the Historic Families Wall which also with the QR codes provides information on he oldest families in the district.
Monday to Friday: Anytime | Entrance is free
MONUMENT
T-Junction of Voortrekker and Pres Hoffman Streets
The 1938 monument made of rough-hewn stone commemorates the ox-wagon visit made as part of the Second Trek activities, when people in historical costumes accompanied ox wagons travelled to Pretoria and the Voortrekker monument from different parts of the country.