LEYDSDORP
t developed from a gold-mining camp and was proclaimed in 1890. It was virtually abandoned when gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand. It was named after Willem Johannes Leyds (1859-1940), State secretary of the ZAR from 1888-1897.
Situated near Gravelotte – on the main R71 road from Tzaneen, situated just
off on a gravel road
Hotel – circa 1890
Hotel – circa 1890 – originally named Dickenson’s Bro Hotel. The pub still has the original bar counter. Behind the bar counter a trap door lead to a cellar which apparently served as a mortuary as this was the coolest place. Tunnels lead from this area but was built up.
Paul Kruger house
Paul Kruger house next to the hotel – whilst in the area President Paul Kruger of the ZAR had to sign an official document which could only be signed in a city. He then declared Leydsdorp an official city for a day, on 1 October 1890.
Hospital circa 1891
Cemetery
Cemetery – Malaria decimated the population of the town
