The town of Bethlehem was founded in 1864 (other sources claim 1869). It is nestled in the Maluti Mountains in the Free State Province and is one of the towns that grew rapidly after it was founded. The rapid growth was due to the town being connected to Johannesburg, Harrismith and Bloemfontein by rail. The town’s name is of Hebrew origin and means “house of bread”. It is so named because the town boasts fertile land where wheat grows in abundance.
eventREF E-0074544Revised
27 February 1864
The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded
- Updated
- 22 Aug 2019
South African History Online. (2012, February 24). The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074544
South African History Online (2012) 'The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded', South African History Online, 24 February. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074544 (Accessed: 27 October 2026).
South African History Online, The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074544, (accessed 27 October 2026).
"The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded." South African History Online, 24 Feb. 2012, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074544. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
South African History Online. "The town of Bethlehem, Free State, is founded." South African History Online. February 24, 2012. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074544.
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