It was laid out in 1914[2]: 316 and declared a border industry area in 1968. It was named after Jacobus Herculaas (Koos) de la Rey (1847-1914), General of the Boer forces in the Anglo-Boer War.[3]
Economy
Agriculture
The area is known for the cultivation of maize, groundnuts, sorghum and sheep and cattle farming.[2]: 317
Mining
Salt is mined from the many pans in the area.[2]: 316