Vrede, 'the town of peace', lies between the North-Eastern Free State and the Mpumalanga border of Volksrust. It was named in 1863 after a dispute between its founders. Like most towns formed during and after the South African Wars, Vrede has a very rich History seen through the . The population is mostly Afrikaans and Zulu speaking. The influence of Dutch Architecture became very pronounced in the Historical Buildings, that were built there.
The frontage of the Dutch Reformed Church features a Burghers Memorial to fallen Boers and a Garden to honour the British soldiers.
The Great Trek Monument is a granite memorial erected in 1938, the Centenary Year of the Great Trek. There is also the First World War Cannon that may be seen in the Town. This Cannon marks the role played by the soldiers during this War.
Vrede, is hub of Agricultural Production of: 'maize; wheat; mutton; wool; beef, dairy products and poultry'. Situated near the Drakensberg Mountains, it offers tourists with: 'hiking; mountain biking; caving; rock climbing; abseiling; horse riding; game viewing and hunting'.