Amsterdam

Amsterdam is named after Amsterdam in the Netherlands

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Amsterdam lies at the foot of the Lumbombo Moutains. There are three dams in the area: Jericho, Westoe and Morgenson Dams, where fishing, camping, and yachting can be done. There are also 4x4 trails.

Also to be seen are ancient ruins, such as Goliath's Footprint, which is a giant footprint set in granite.

The Conservancy was established to protect endangered indigenous species in the area: Eastern Springbok, Oribi, Reedbuck and Duiker.

The horseman ghost

Amsterdam has its own ghost story. It is told that every Saturday at dusk the horseman enters the town dressed in the uniform of the Boer army - i.e. the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).

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History

There are San rock paintings in the area.

In 1856 Alexander McCorkindale, a Scot, settled here with his wife Mary-Ann. In 1864 he declared the larger area the Republic of New Scotland. Roburnia, its capital, was later (in 1882) renamed Amsterdam, after the Dutch harbour city. Other towns in the Republic were Industria (today's Chrissiesmeer), and Derby (the centre for Londonia). In 1867 about 50-70 other Scottish settlers moved into the area as farmers. Farms in the area still bear Scottish names such as Lochiel, Arthur’s Seat, Waverley, Lochleven, Dundonald, and Bonny Brae.

McCorkindale died in 1867 of malaria fever while planning a harbor in Maputo (then known as Lourenzo Marques) in Mocambique. Today the only reminder of McCorkindale is the name of the town square.

Nature

Amsterdam lies within the summer rainfall region that experiences lightning and thunder storms. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild, but chilly in the mornings.

Economy

Forest plantations of gum, pine and wattle trees are found in the area. There is a forest mushroom industry at Amsterdam.

Farming focuses on sheep.

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