In the early 1870's, towns in the northern Free State were situated very far apart and members of different churches had to travel great distances to participate in religious services. It was then decided by the Ring of the Dutch Reformed Church to implant the idea of a congregation north of the Rhenoster River into the minds of the residents of the farm Klipspruit, on the Vaal River, which was owned by four van Coller brothers. After long deliberation by the brothers, the first erven were laid out in 1876, and the little town of Parys was born.

Vaal de Gráce, with the magnificent Vredefort Dome Heritage Site as its backdrop, has forged an enviable reputation as one of the world's undiscovered tourism destinations. Not only has Parys breathtaking scenery, exquisite wildlife, the Vaal River, world-class golf courses, superb restaurants and a rich history, making it a sophisticated country destination, but the province also has other treasures to explore. The historic Anglo-Boer War Battlefields can be enjoyed on the Battlefields Route in and around the river and mountainous beauty of the Vredefort Dome Heritage Site.