Nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga, Ermelo's history is rich with tales of resilience, Dutch influence, and steady growth. This town, though thousands of miles away from the Netherlands, carries a piece of Dutch heritage in its very name and foundation.
The Foundations of Ermelo. The story of Ermelo began with the vision of the Dutch Reformed Church's Reverend Frans Lion Cachet. Founded during the mid-1800s, the region which would eventually become Ermelo was originally an outspan area, utilized mainly for resting teams of draw animals transporting goods. The presence of small lakes provided a natural resource for these travelers, ensuring the area was a vital rest stop.
The transformation from an outspan area to a village began with Reverend Cachet. Having a deep spiritual influence on the community, he initiated a congregation in Ermelo in 1870, which gained formal recognition in April 1872.
But what's in a name? Ermelo owes its moniker to a town in the Netherlands. The young Cachet, during his early days, had encountered Hermanus Willem Witteveen from Ermelo in the Netherlands. This meeting left an indelible mark on Cachet, and in honor of Witteveen, he named the South African settlement "Ermelo."
Growth and Setbacks. Ermelo's strategic location on the wagon route between Durban and the Eastern Transvaal Goldfields facilitated its steady growth. It became a hub for travelers, traders, and those seeking fortune in the goldfields.
However, the town's trajectory wasn't always upward. The tumultuous period of the Anglo Boer War saw Ermelo face significant devastation. Nearly the entire town, save for one resilient house, was razed. Boer farmhouses in the surrounding district shared a similar fate. Yet, like a phoenix rising, Ermelo was rebuilt in 1903.
A testament to its historical legacy is the old Prison built in 1903. Crafted from sandstone, this building stands as a reminder of the town's resilience and growth. This edifice served its purpose until 1990, bearing witness to almost a century of the town's history.
A Legacy of Governance and Growth. Ermelo's governance has its roots intertwined with both the church and the state. Initially, the land that would become the town was purchased from P.J. Fourie in 1879 and proclaimed a year later. The Dutch Reformed Church held the reins of managing the town until 1895. Following this, the government of the South African Republic took over, guiding Ermelo into the next century.
Ermelo's history is one of transformation, resilience, and enduring Dutch influence. From its foundational ties to the Dutch Reformed Church and its namesake in the Netherlands to its role as a key transit point in South Africa, Ermelo stands as a testament to the spirit of community and rebirth. Today, the town continues to thrive, carrying forward the legacy of its founders and its rich history.