Republic of Vaalstroom
The Republic of Vaalstroom was founded in 1856 by the Voortrekkers under the leadership of Stoffel Vermark. Vaalstroom was declared the capital of the country in 1856. In 1862, Barotseland was amalgamated into the Vaalstroom Republic in accordance to the Treaty of Simwichelle, subsequently causing the foundation of Rozengria.
Republic of Vaalstroom (1856–1862) Republiek Vaalstroom (Dutch) | |||||||||
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 Flag | |||||||||
| Capital | Vaalstroom | ||||||||
| Official languages | Dutch | ||||||||
| Recognised regional languages | Afrikaans and various Bantu languages | ||||||||
| Religion | Dutch Reformed | ||||||||
| Demonym(s) | Vaalstroomer | ||||||||
| Government | Boer Republic | ||||||||
| Stoffel Vermark | |||||||||
| History | |||||||||
• Established | 1856 | ||||||||
• Disestablished | 1862 | ||||||||
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| Today part of | Zambia | ||||||||
Foundation
The Republic of Vaalstroom was founded after a group of Boers, unsatisfied with the local politics of the area, had separated from the remaining Boer Republics in 1854. The village of Vaalstroom was founded in 1856 by a group of Voortrekkers led by Stoffel Vermark after they had left their previous settlements in Transvaal.
Etymology
Vaal is a Dutch word (later Afrikaans) meaning "drab" or "dull", which alludes to the colour of the Zambezi river as described by the Vaalstroom Pioneer Column, noticeable during flood season when the river is laden with silt. It shares the same etymology as the already existing Vaal River in South Africa. Stroom is also a Dutch/Afrikaner word meaning "stream", as in the stream or current of the Zambezi river.
During British rule in Northern Rhodesia, the city of Vaalstroom was renamed Livingstone, after Scottish explorer David Livingstone.