Frankfort on the Wilge River: History and orientation

Frankfort is a small, agriculture-oriented town on the banks of the Wilge River in South Africa’s Free State province. As a travel destination, it combines a clear geographical setting with a history that is easy to follow. Its founding dates back to 1869; an old clock at the Dutch Reformed Church recalls an event from 1901. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Frankfort, these different perspectives can help you assess the character of the destination.

Frankfort’s regional setting

The town lies 55 km east of Heilbron and about 120 km southeast of Sasolburg. Heilbron is therefore west of Frankfort, and Sasolburg is northwest. These two reference points locate the town in its wider surroundings from different directions. Together with the Wilge River as a defining geographical feature, they give a sense of both its riverside location and its place in the region.

The R34 provincial road provides another point of reference. It runs right beside Frankfort and leads from Kroonstad toward Natal. This offers two complementary types of geographical information: Heilbron and Sasolburg are reference points in the wider area, while the R34 describes the location of a nearby road. This distinction helps you locate Frankfort on a map without reducing the regional orientation to a single road reference.

Founding and history

Frankfort was established in 1869 on the Roodepoort farm. Albert van Gordon named the town after Frankfurt in Germany. The founding place, year, and naming each describe a different aspect of the town’s history: Roodepoort is the farm where Frankfort was established; 1869 dates its founding, and Frankfurt is the inspiration for its name. This makes it possible to consider the town’s origins and the source of its name separately.

The Dutch Reformed Church is considered a historically significant building in Frankfort. An old clock on its façade survived the burning of the church by British troops during the Anglo-Boer War in 1901. Two historical references are brought together here: the church’s significance as a building and the clock’s history in connection with its destruction during the war. The clock is a specific detail in the town’s history, associated with a named building.

Things to do around Frankfort

Linkview Home is a café in Frankfort. Its seasonal offerings include homemade iced tea, Seam coffee, cakes, pastries, and traditional sweet and savoury specialities. The café adds a culinary highlight alongside the town’s historical points of interest. Since the menu is seasonal, it’s best to check the current offerings and visiting options before you go.

Namahadi's Art and Crafts Centre is an option for a side trip in the vicinity of the destination. There, you can see local arts and crafts and beadwork. This focus differs from the town’s founding and church: here, the emphasis is on crafts and beadwork. If you’re planning a side trip, check visiting options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sasolburg, Deneysville, Kroonstad, Parys.

For the broader travel overview: Fezile Dabi.