About
Beaufort West was founded in 1818 on the farm Hooivlakte and was originally known as Beaufort. The name was later extended to distinguish it from other Beaufort settlements. Merino sheep farming, administration and the railway helped establish the town as a major centre in the Great Karoo.
Historical reference: History of Beaufort West – SouthAfrica.co.za ↗
Town history is an evolving local record. Additional archival sources, community accounts and photographs can help improve this article.