The Orange Free State was a Boer republic in southern Africa, established in 1854. It was located between the Vaal River to the north and the Gariep River to the south. The region was primarily inhabited by Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch settlers, and was known for its agriculture and cattle farming. In 1900, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, the Orange Free State was annexed by the British Empire. After the war, it became part of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Today, the area is part of the Free State Province in modern South Africa, reflecting its historical significance.