The notorious Chute: Barberton’s most dangerous road
Before tar roads and mountain passes, the journey into Barberton meant facing the dreaded Chute, a five-kilometre descent so steep that wagons had to be dismantled to get down.
Culture & Identity
Exploring the people, creativity, and traditions that shape Barberton’s unique character.
Rimer’s Creek: Where Barberton’s gold rush began
Rimer’s Creek may look like a quiet stream today, but it was the spark that ignited Barberton’s gold rush in 1884.
John Duncan: a life shaped by the De Kaap Valley
From a farm boy known as “Dubula” to a merchant navy engineer sailing the world’s oceans, John Andrew Duncan’s life was shaped by adventure, resilience and deep roots in the De Kaap Valley.
The Duncan's of Barberton: A family rooted in gold rush history
The Duncan family has been part of Barberton since the gold‑rush days of the 1880s. From early bakeries and stores to generations of local business involvement, their story, to this day, forms an important part of the town’s heritage.
Diggers Retreat Hotel keeps gold rush spirit alive
The Diggers Retreat Hotel on the R38 offers more than just a place to stay, it’s a living link to Barberton’s gold rush past.
Barberton Cemetery: memory, mourning and a call to protect our heritage
