Pilgrim's Rest Diggings

Initiated in 1873 by Alec Patterson and William Trafford's discovery of gold in a stream, the Old Diggings at Pilgrim's Rest in Mpumalanga transformed the region into a bustling gold field. Drawing diverse prospectors, it evolved into a vibrant community and significantly contributed to the Boer Republic's finances, playing a role in the Anglo-Boer War. Active mining continued until 1972, after which the town was preserved as a heritage site and museum.