In 1905 three years after the Anglo-Boer War - the colonial government constructed a weir across the Little Thukela River and founded an irrigation settlement here called Springfield renamed Winterton in 1910 after HD Winter, Secretary of Agriculture.

The town is situated in beautiful foothills of the Drakensberg in South Africa and is main access point to the Central Drakensberg. This typical pioneer settlement offers a very relaxed atmosphere. It serves the large community of maize, wheat and beef farmers and of late has become a tourist attraction offering everything from accommodation to adventure activities in the Drakensberg region.

Spearmans Military Cemetery
Site of a field hospital where many men died of wounds received at Spioenkop.Off the Ladysmith - Winterton Road, +/- 1km, passed Spioenkop Nature Reserve 036-637 2231.

Marianne Church Ruins
This was the Second Dutch Reformed Church to be built in Natal, and was in use from 1852 to 1874. It was named after the wife of the D.R.C. Minister, Dr Faure. The ruins of this old church near Winterton are a declared national monument. Located on Farm Doveton in the Winterton area.

Winterton Museum
This small museum situated in Church Street is well worth a visit. The museum has fasinating dispalays on the history of farming in the area, the Zulu and a unique gallery of San paintings. The other exhibits include a blacksmith shop, the voting for the 'New South Africa' and the battles of Spioenkop and Vaalkrans which took place nearby. Open Monday to Friday 09h00 -15h00, Saturday 09h00 - 12h00.Tel.(036)4881885.