Battle of Bethlehem Monument:
A monument commemorating the Battle of Bethlehem, which took place between the Boers and the Basotho in 1866 during the Basotho War, can be seen at the Dutch Reformed "Mother" Church.
On Monday 22 January 1866 Commandant C.J. de Villiers and approximately 120 Burgers was passing through Bethlehem and was ready to depart when the post coach arrived. Glad to see the coach, they decided to stay another day. This decision proved to be a town saver. Approximately 3000-4000 Basotho's attacked during the day, invading Bethlehem from several directions. The Boer Commando was able to prevent the Basotho's from surrounding the town.In the end 200 Basotho's were killed and only two Boers sustained assegai (spear) wounds.
This battle is considered the most important event for Bethlehem during the Second Basotho War.
Source: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC39TMC_ovs-history-series-6-slag-van-bethlehem?guid=7c8a5532-e942-4683-8497-53d061e3c0d3
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