Location

Barberton was named after Graham Barber and his cousins, who in 1884 discovered gold in the more than 3500 million years old rock formations forming the Barberton Mountainland. The region exploded into a mad gold rush. Shacks and shanties sprang up overnight, together with canteens, pubs, two stock exchanges and countless bars.

The male dominated populace formed a rich hunting ground for female entrepreneurs such as the notorious Cockney Liz and others. These and others made a fortune. But many more were tricked into buying worthless claims, and by 1888 the rush was over.

The notorious Valley of Death, which earned its name from the countless gold diggers succumbing to malaria, lived up to its reputation, turning innumerable investors into paupers. Nevertheless, the Barberton region is still home to the Sheba gold mine, the richest gold mine ever discovered in the world.

Barberton was also home to Jock of the Bushveld, the much-loved dog made famous in Percy Fitzpatrick's novel.

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BARBERTON

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