President Pretorius House Museum

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Friday

Introduction

The President Pretorius House Museum in Potchefstroom, North West is a historical site that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the life and times of President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, the first president of the South African Republic (ZAR), and explore a beautifully restored 19th-century home.



About the Museum

The President Pretorius House Museum was built by President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius between 1857 and 1860 on his farm in Potchefstroom. The museum includes the house, stable and coach house, and a smithy. The property was declared a national monument in 1979 and opened as a museum in 1981 after restoration.

Visitors to the museum can explore the historical house and view the outbuildings, including the stable and coach house, and the smithy. The house depicts a typical 19th century house, as most of the President’s belongings were destroyed during the Anglo Boer War. However, visitors can still get a sense of the period through the preserved architecture and decor.

Interesting Facts

  • President Pretorius inhabited the house until 1892, after which he sold it to Mr. Bodenstein in 1894.
  • Mr. Bodenstein, in turn, sold the house to Mr. MacLaghans in 1903. The MacLaghans did major renovations and renamed the house Oakdene.
  • The museum offers visitors insight into the life and times of President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius and the history of Potchefstroom.
  • The museum is one of three additional satellite locations of the Potchefstroom Museum in North West.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The President Pretorius House Museum is a fascinating historical site that should not be missed when visiting Potchefstroom or the North West Province. The museum provides a glimpse into the life and times of President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a beautifully restored 19th-century home.