The Orange Free State was established in 1854 by Afrikaans settlers in what later became South Africa, and was conquered by the British (and later made part of South Africa) in 1902. The anthem was written by two Dutchmen in 1865 and was first performed August 23, 1866 at the Republic’s 12th anniversary celebrations.

Special thanks to: Pavel Zinovatny for some of this information and for the music file and Jo Hyo-roe for the sheet music.