Laingsburg

Laingsburg was established in 1881 when land on the episodic Buffels River was bundled into plots and sold. This land was on the farm Vischkuil ('fish pool'). The village that grew from this settlement was named Laingsburg in honour of John Laing, Commissioner of Crown Lands at the Cape.

In January 1981 Laingsburg suffered what was to become its most famous tale - the Laingsburg flood. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Buffels and Baviaans Rivers (which converge in Laingsburg) caused a massive flood in the town, killing at least 100 people. The waters even swept the railway line off its bridge. Today a signpost on the main road indicates the level to which the waters rose - probably well above the roof of your car.

Today the town's total rainfall is around 50mm per year. The main economic activity of this region is the production of wool and of lucerne. Deciduous fruits are also grown under irrigation.

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