[2] Lying at 1,664 m above sea level in the upper reaches of the Vaal River basin on the banks of the Schulpspruit, the area was first settled by Europeans in 1876 when two farmers of the area donated land to the church, where Rev.

Frans Lion Cachet proceeded to build a Dutch Reformed church.

[2] When the area became too small for the growing village, more land was purchased from one of the original donors and the town was proclaimed in 1888.

[citation needed] The township of eZamokuhle (meaning "to make it beautiful") lies adjacent to the town and contributes greatly to its economy.

Pixley ka Isaka Seme, one of the founders of the South African Native National Congress, later renamed the African National Congress, maintained law offices in Amersfoort and spent time there in connection with his legal and political work for the community at Daggakraal, the Native Farmers Association, and the Swazi Royal family in Swaziland.