Ohrigstad

Quick Facts: Who was Ohrigstad?

Subject:

Ohrigstad

Known for:

A small town in Limpopo, South Africa, named after Andries Ohrig.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ohrigstad (Afrikaans for Ohrig city), formerly Andries Ohrig Stad, is a small town to the north of Lydenburg in the Limpopo province, South Africa. A fort was established by a group of Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Hendrik Potgieter with the help of a Dutch merchant Gregorius Ohrig. The settlers arrived in 1845 and were soon afterwards decimated by malaria and forced to abandon the area.

Career & Major Achievements

Settlers only returned once the disease was under control. On the 14 May 1873, the area was proclaimed as a public gold field after the discovery of gold in the Selati River.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Voortrekker, Pieter Willem Prinsloo, who left the Cape between 20 June 1837 and the end of March 1838, registered a farm Dorenhoek in the Ohrigstad area on 16 March 1846. The Echo Caves are situated close to the town.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1837: 1837 Milestone — The Voortrekker, Pieter Willem Prinsloo, who left the Cape between 20 June 1837 and the end of March 1838, registered a farm Dorenhoek in the Ohrigstad area on 16 March 1846.
2. 1845: 1845 Milestone — The settlers arrived in 1845 and were soon afterwards decimated by malaria and forced to abandon the area.
3. 1873: 1873 Milestone — On the 14 May 1873, the area was proclaimed as a public gold field after the discovery of gold in the Selati River.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ohrigstad

True or False: “The primary reason for the initial abandonment of the settlement in the mid-19th century was the discovery of gold.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The initial abandonment was due to devastating outbreaks of malaria, not the discovery of gold. Gold was discovered later, in 1873, which spurred a return and subsequent development.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ohrigstad