LAINGSBURG
Town on the Buffalo River, a tributary of the Groot River. It was established on the farm Vischkuil aan de Buffelsrivier in 1881 and became a municipality in 1906. Named after John Laing, Commissioner of Crown Lands in the cabinets of Sprigg and Rhodes. Devastated by floods in 1981.
Blockhouse
Blockhouse – 14 km north on the N1 – This is at the bridge where the railway line crosses a tributary of the Buffalo River, known as the Geelbek River. It was to protect the bridge and formed a link in the chain of blockhouses that ran from Wellington to Beaufort West. It is an Elliot Wood pattern blockhouse. The railway line was constructed in 1880. Declared a National Monument on 25 June 1965.
Railway Bridge Geelbek river
Railway Bridge over Geelbek River – The blockhouse was erected next to the bridge during Anglo Boer war. The railway line from Laingsburg to Leeu-Gamka was completed at the end of 1878
Flood Museum
Flood Museum, Voortrekker St – On 25 January 1981 unprecedeted rainfall caused the Buffels River to overflow its banks.Flood waters and mud swept through Laingsburg. Water levels reaching 10 above the usual flow level. 184 houses and 23 commercial buildings were destroyed. 104 people were killed. A museum commemorating the event is housed in this building.
