Battle of Boomplaats
Near Jagersfontein, Free State, South Africa
What happened
British forces under Sir Harry Smith fought Boer settlers led by Andries Pretorius. Smith had declared the land between the Vaal and Orange rivers to be British territory, the Orange River Sovereignty. Boers who rejected this asked Pretorius for help, and he raised a commando. At Boomplaats the Boers ambushed Smith's forces, but after about four hours they pulled back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended this Boer resistance for a time, and Pretorius retreated north across the Vaal.
What came next
Britain recognised a Boer republic north of the Vaal in 1852 and gave up the Orange River Sovereignty in 1854. It became the Orange Free State.
Did you know?
According to the battle page, the British won after one Boer opened fire too early and gave away their position.
Timeline
- 3 February 1848Smith proclaims British rule over the land.
- 29 August 1848The British win at Boomplaats.
- 17 January 1852The Sand River Convention.
- 23 February 1854The Bloemfontein Convention creates the Orange Free State.