In the region of Philippolis two fossils where found, a fish fossil which belonged to the order of Palaeonisciformes and a reptile which belonged to the Eodicynodon family.
Founded in 1823 after the Toverberg mission station was closed in 1818 and Dr John Philip, superintendent of South Africa, wanted a mission station in the area, making it the oldest town in the Free State
The Transgariep Museum features, in thematic displays, the Griquas, the London Missionary Society, Emily Hobhouse, and Old Philippolis - the oldest town in the Free State.
