Hartbeespoort / Schoemansville
Village on the shore of the Hartbeespoort dam. Founded in 1925 by Johan Schoeman and named after his father, General Hendrik Schoeman.
Hartbeespoort Dam
Hartbeespoort Dam built on the confluence of the Crocodile and Magalies rivers. Built between 1918 and 1923. Take its name from the farm Hartbeespoort which in turn was taken from an antelope.
Peace Tree
Peace Tree – R511 just pass offramp to N4 – Under a Karree tree on this site negotiations took place after the Battle of the Crocodile during the Transvaal Civil War in 1864. This was a war between Stephanus Schoeman’s Volksleger (People’s Army) and Kruger’s Staatsleger (State Army). They disagreed over how to rid the Boers of British domination after The Sand River Convention.
Jopie Fourie Monument
Jopie Fourie Monument – R513 to Pretoria - When the 1st World War commenced South Africa decided to join Britain. Several refuse to take part leading to the 1914 Rebellion. The rebel force attacked the Government force. Jopie Fourie was a junior officer in the Union Defence Force. He neglected to resign as an officer in the SA army. He surrendered with other rebels at Nooitgedacht. Jopie was found guilty of treason and was executed on 20 December 1914. The monument was unveiled in 1964 having been moved from Nooitgedacht. Situated on the farm Hartbeesthoek, his birthplace.
Rietfontein Military Cemetery
Rietfontein Military Cemetery – During the ABW Col Baden-Powel of the British forces establish a camp at Rietfonten June/July 1900. Several of the men who died in battles nearby were buried in this cemetery.
General Hendrik Schoeman (1840 – 1901) Monument
General Hendrik Schoeman (1840 – 1901) Monument – R511 at Saartjie’s nek. Son of Gen Stephanus Schoeman. This cross was erected by his son in 1955. He was in command of the Johannesburg and Pretoria Commandos and return to his farm in the Magaliesberg. He surrendered in June 1900 believing the war was virtually over. He was tried several times for treason but was acquitted. On 26 May 1901 he died when a lyddite shell he kept as a souvenir exploded in his house in Pretoria.
Bridge over Crocodile River
Bridge over Crocodile River – Steel bridge on old R104 (road between Pretoria and Rustenburg) cnr R512.– constructed in 1927 – replaced by a new bridge and road in 1972
Barton’s Folley
Barton’s Folley – R563 near crossing R560 - On the hill this blockhouse was built during the ABW in 1901. Built by Maj.-Gen G Barton who commanded the British forces in the area. It was known as “Barton’s Folley”. The name comes from the ornamental architectural features’ gentry liked to erect in their gardens. Declared a National monument in 1939.
Blue Bridge over Magalies River
Blue Bridge over Magalies River – R560 between Skeerpoort and Magalies Park. This steel bridge was constructed in 1927. The bridge was originally painted blue hence the name. It waqs replaced by a new bridge and road in 1981
ABW blockhouse- Kommandonek
ABW blockhouse- Kommandonek – this was one of four double storey blockhouses overlooking Kommandonek. This was manned by the Lincolnshire Regiment. Under the conditions agreed at the Treaty of Vereeniging all forts were to be demolished after the war. These have decayed and crumbled.
