Paul Roux is a small town in the flatlands of Free State province of South Africa that produces poplar wood for the safety match industry. General farming however remains the main industry. It was established in 1909 by Dutch Reform Reverend Paul Roux on the farm Palmietfontein, and today has a population of 5,722. Initially there was dispute as to the name of the new town. The final name was decided, in a dice like fashion, by the roll of a boulder from the koppie (hill) above the town.