TOURIST INFORMATION
Virginia Publicity Association
Tel 057 212 3685
Virginia is a gold mining town located in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality and is one of the Free State's most popular holiday destinations.
Virginia is surrounded by some of the largest gold fields in Free State, and mining, gold-extraction plants, and the manufacture of sulfuric acid from gold ore dominate its economy. It is also known for having the deepest pipe-mine into the earth on the planet.
Commercial farms in the surrounding area primarily grow maize (corn) and raise livestock. Virginia is located on the main rail line between Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. In 1890, two railway surveyors from the state of Virginia in the United States etched the name of their birthplace on a boulder near the farm Merriespruit.
When a railway siding was eventually established at this spot, the name was adopted, and it stuck after the discovery of gold in 1955 which resulted in a mushrooming settlement on the banks of the Sand River. Despite its rapid progress following the gold discoveries of the 1940s, Virginia has remained a beautiful, tranquil city enhanced by lovely gardens.
The Sand River, on which it is set, is ideal for boating, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. A hiking trail along its banks is much frequented by bird-watchers. The Tikwe Lodge Park features monthly craft markets and the adjoining Virginia Game Reserve allows a look at the elusive smaller buck species.
Virginia also boasts the place where the ring was made that was featured in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
