spring, when the near-lifeless scrubland explodes into colour from thousands of flowers hidden in the dry dusty earth, brought to life by winter rains. History The town was founded on the farm Melkboschkuil when the farm was purchased from Kowie Cloete for £750 (£573,000 or ZAR6,705,520 in 2010) in 1852 so as to establish a copper mine. In 1862 the town of Springbokfontein was laid out. The -fontein (fountain) was dropped in later years. The "Klipkoppie" was used during the Second Boer War as a fort by the Boers under General Manie Maritz as it provided an excellent vantage point across the valley. Remains of stone walls inside the koppie can still be seen today. Next to the "Klipkoppie" is the beautiful Klipkerk (Stone Church) which was built in 1921. Tourism The town’s mining history, flora and connection to the Second Boer War makes it a rich hub of natural and cultural heritage. It is still widely used as a stopover for those traveling between South Africa and Namibia. Monument Koppie, a small hill situated in the centre of town, remains a historical site and landmark. While most of this area was destroyed by dynamite, planted by a commando, led by General Jan Smuts, some of the remains still stand today. Copper was first discovered in the area by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, in 1685. Blue Mine is believed to mark the origins of commercial mining in South Africa. The area has a blue tinge created when copper reacts with oxygen in the air. The Goegap Nature Reserve, south-east of the main town, is a conservation area that gets covered in spring flowers. It also the home of several mammalian species like springbok, gemsbok and aardwolf. Throughout the year tourists visit for hikes and mountain biking on the trails and routes across the tranquil land. Gallery References External links Photographs of Flora in Springbok Populated places in the Nama Khoi Local Municipality Namaqualand Populated places established in 1862 Mining communities in South Africa 1862 establishments in the Cape Colony