George Harrison Park

George Harrison and the history of Johannesburg are closely bound together: it was he who first found gold in 1886, a discovery that gave rise to the largest and most vibrant city in South Africa. The original 10-stamp battery mill that was used to crush the ore on site has been removed and is on display in the mining district in Main Street, in downtown Johannesburg. On view are two original shafts and sweeping views of the city.  The park was created and named to commemorate the official discovery of the gold-rich Main Reef pebble conglomerate by itinerant Australian prospector George Harrison in early 1886.  According to the records the park forms part of two claims* (No. 19 and 21) which were granted to George Harrison and his prospecting partner George Walker respectively by G. C. Oosthuizen, owner of Portion A of Langlaagte farm, in terms of mining law at the time. The site became a National Monument in 1944 and in terms of current heritage legislation is now considered a Provincial Heritage Site. (As an aside Harrison soon sold his claim for £10 and disappeared).