Virginia, Free State

Province

Virginia is a city in the South African province of the Free State. It is located in the municipality in the district Matjhabeng Lejweleputswa.

Geography

2011 had Virginia - including the townships Meloding - 66 208 inhabitants. The city lies on both banks of the Sand River, a tributary of the Vet, which in turn flows into the Vaal. At Virginia is among the former Township Meloding, located in the southeast of the city. The city is located in the predominantly flat Highveld. The much larger town of Welkom is located approximately 20 kilometers north-west, about 140 kilometers south-west of Bloemfontein. Until Johannesburg in the north- east there are about 240 kilometers.

History

In 1890, two railway engineers came from the U.S. state of Virginia in the area and carved near the farm Merriespruit the name of their home country in a stone. As a side path led there, the name was chosen as a place name. Gold was discovered there in 1955. Subsequently, several settlements were established on the banks of the Sand River. In 1988, the river overflowed its banks and flooded a large part of the city. 1994 broke the Merriespruit Tailings Dam, near Virginia, a tailings dam on a mud pond. In this case, 17 people died.

Economy and Transport

Virginia is located in the center of one of the most important gold producing areas of South Africa. The most important industry is gold mining and processing. In the rural area around Virginia around especially maize is grown and used in livestock.

In approximately 20 kilometers east of Virginia leads the N1 National Road, which connects Johannesburg and Cape Town, past. Virginia is located just to the west of the railway line from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein. The Virginia station is serviced three times a week in each direction for passenger relation Johannesburg Port Elizabeth. He is primarily for freight. That is not served by commercial airliners: At Virginia Harmony Airport ( FAHA ICAO code ) is.