Mafeking is thus an important trading and distributing centre for Bechuanaland and the western Transvaal.
Mafeking was originally the headquarters of the Barolong tribe of Bechuana and is still their largest station, the native location (pop. 2860) being about a mile distant from the town.
On the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer war in 1899 Mafeking was invested by a Boer force.
In September 1904 Lord Roberts unveiled at Mafeking an obelisk bearing the names of those who fell in defence of the town.
The northern edge of the plateau follows an irregular line from somewhat north of Mafeking on the west to the Mauchberg on the east.
