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Eureka City

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Eureka City

Eureka City is a ghost town in South Africa. It was established in 1885, when gold was discovered on the Sheba Reef.[1] It is located 7 km from Barberton, Mpumalanga.[2] Its ruins are now located in the northern section of Mountainlands Nature Reserve.[3] A permit from the authorities is now required to enter the ghost town.[4]

History

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In 1887 it had a population of around 700 people.[4] In 1886, the town had three shops, three hotels, a bakery, chemist, racecourse, music hall and bars to cater for the diggers in the area. All that remains now are the ruins of the old Victoria Hotel and the neighbouring Sheba school.[5] The town fell under the Lydenburg District of the South African Republic (ZAR).

References

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  1. ^ Sandra Olivier (2005). Touring in South Africa. Struik. p. 141. ISBN 978-1-77007-142-1. Retrieved 10 September 2013.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Philip Harrison (2004). South Africa's Top Sites: Science. New Africa Books. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-86486-563-2. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  3. ^ "Mining History". Mountainlands Nature Reserve. Archived from the original on 25 July 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Three Unique Butterflies". Barberton Community Tourism. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  5. ^ "Eureka City". Barberton Community Tourism. Archived from the original on 10 September 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2013.