Jacobsdal is a small farming town in the Free State. Jacobsdal for part of the Letsemeng Local Municipality and is situated in the south-western part of the Free State province. Its geographical area is approximately 10 192 km², which makes up 29,8% of the total Xhariep District Municipality geographical area. The five towns within Letsemeng Local Municipality are Koffiefontein, where the municipality head office is situated, Jacobsdal, Luckhoff, Oppermansgronde and Petrusburg.

The small town on the Riet River, 20 km’s south-east of its confluence with the Modder River, 60 km’s south of Kimberley, and 155 km’s west of Bloemfontein. It was established in 1859 on the farm Kalkfontein and attained municipal status in July 1860. Named after the owner of the farm, Christoffel Johannes Jacobs. It is known for salt-pans nearby.

Return to the Free State Towns/Cities page.


More information on Jacobsdal.

Jacobsdal Cemetery (at the end of De Villiers St)

The oldest grave in Jacobsdal Cemetery dates from 1859. British War graves and monuments can be found dating from the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902). Some “Boers” that fought the Magersfontein battle were reburied at Magersfontein which included Commandant D.S. Lubbe’s grave (1923).

Cairn – Heap of stones (Klipstapel)

It was erected by the Boers from Jacobsdal in November 1899 before departing for the battle of Roodelaagte (Graspan). Each boer engraved his name on a stone and these stones were used to build the monument. The monument can be reached by a walking trail from the Agricultural School.

Diamond and Wine Route

The “Diamond and Wine Route” is a very popular tourist attraction. It passes the beautiful open diamond mines at Koffiefontein open mine and includes the Landzicht Wine Cellars in Jacobsdal.