The Anglo Boer War dominates recorded history in this area. On October 30, 1899 (Mournful Monday), Boer forces started a siege on the town after British troops retreated there following their defeat at the Battle of Modderstroom. The siege lasted 118 days before British reinforcements arrived and were able to put an end to it.
Sir Winston Churchill gives a good account of the siege (as well as the Anglo Boer War in general) in his book [[Special:Booksources/9780742626386 | London to Ladysmith via Pretoria]].
Follow the N11 from the N3 for about 20km.