POTCHEFSTROOM
It was founded in November 1838 and was the first municipality in Transvaal. The name is derived from Hendrik Potgieter, who founded the town and who was ‘chef’ or leader of the Voortrekkers, and from the stroom (stream) on which it is situated, the Mooi River. It was the first capital of the Transvaal. Formerly named Mooiriviersdorp.
Town Hall
Town Hall – Potgieter St – the building was opened on 10 March 1909 with General Jan Smuts in attendance. The clock bears the lettering ‘ Potchefstroom anno 1909’. This building was declared a Provincial Heritage site.
Nederduits Hervormde Church
Nederduits Hervormde Church – Church Street (now Walter Sisulu St) – The first Voortrekker congregation in Transvaal - 1842. The cornerstone for the current building was laid on 26 December 1859 by Pres MW Pretorius and Rev Dirk van der Hoff. The building was inaugurated on 24 February 1866.Dr Dirk van der Hoff was the first minister in this congregation since May 1853. His bust is at the front entrance. The organ was imported from London 1n 1890. Declared a National Monument on 19 March 1965.
Dutch Reformed Church Mooirivier
Dutch Reformed Church Mooirivier - Church Street (now Walter Sisulu St) – The cornerstone was laid on 6 July 1918 by the first minister of the Union of South Africa General Louis Botha.
Dutch Reformed Church Mooirivier church hall
Dutch Reformed Church Mooirivier church hall – The cornerstone was laid by Mrs HR Barrish on 19 October 1929.
WD Pretorius house
WD Pretorius house – Church Street (now Walter Sisulu St) – This house was erected circa 1853 by JC Uys – believed to be the oldest dwelling in Potch. It was enlarged in 1888 by WD Pretorius and provided with a new entrance. Proclaimed a National monument on 29 May 1987.
Railway Station
Railway Station – Piet Bosman St – This building was erected in 1918. This was the second station building on this site. It was razed by fire in 2020.
Steam train
Steam train – In front of the railway station – SAR class 8A no 1097 – built in 1902 by Neilson, Reid & Co, Glasgow Scotland and imported by the Imperial Military Railway. Withdrawn from service in 1972.
Alexander Park Cemetery
Alexander Park Cemetery – Piet Bosman St – The first burials were in 1861. It served the town until 1903. People who died in the first concentration camp was buried here. A memorial to the concentration camp was vandalised. A memorial to the British soldiers who died in the ABW (1899-1902) and buried here was erected including those who died during the Battle of Frederikstad. The cemetery became derelict and tombstones was gathered in groups in 1965.
Grave President MW Pretorius
Grave President MW Pretorius – Alexander Park cemetery – Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, son of the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius – 17 Sept 1819 – 18 May 1901. Elected president of the ZAR in 1857 and also President of the Orange Free State in 1859. He resigned as President of the Free state in 1863 and re-elected President of the ZAR in 1864 and resigned in 1871. Was part of the three ZAR leaders with Paul Kruger and Piet Joubert in 1880 until 1883. He then stayed in Potch until his death.
Grave – Rev Dirk van der Hoff
Grave – Rev Dirk van der Hoff – Alexander Park Cemetery – 2 Sept 1814 – 9 Oct 1881 – He was the first minister of the Nederduits Hervormde Church in Potchefstroom since May 1853. (the first congregation in Transvaal). His bust is in front of the church.
Snowflake Building
Snowflake Building – Piet Bosman St – Started as The Horsfall Milling Co in 1921. Now used as a function venue.
Rotary Club Potchefstroom
Rotary Club Potchefstroom Building - Next to Snowflake building
Police Station
Police Station – Greyling St – This building was erected in 1939. Declared a national monument in 1991.
Old Post Office – Greyling St
Old Post Office – Greyling St – this red brick building was constructed in 1909. Declared a Provincial Heritage Site.
Old Magistrate Post office and Telegraph building
Old Magistrate Post office and Telegraph building - Greyling St – the cornerstone was laid by by the Magistrate, Dirk Tom and inaugurated by President Paul Kruger on 6 July 1895.
