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.
Heritage & History
Unearthing the stories, buildings, and moments that connect Barberton’s past to its present.
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.
From Transvaal Hotel to Greenstone Trading Post: the story of Barberton’s old Impala Hotel
Once known as the Transvaal Hotel and later the Impala Hotel, one of Barberton’s oldest buildings continues to tell its story as the Greenstone Trading Post.
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.
The Globe Tavern: a gold rush relic at the heart of Barberton
From lively tavern to school and storeroom, the walls of the Globe Tavern tell a story of resilience, change and community.
Barberton Cemetery: memory, mourning and a call to protect our heritage
