Cradock was established in 1814 as a fort at the lower course of the Fish River to protect the white settlers from the Xhosa people. The government of the Cape Colony had proclaimed the Fish River to be the border.

The fort was never attacked, and Cradock soon developed into a prospering settlement with impressive Cape-Dutch and Victorian architecture. In the middle of the 19th century approximately 9000 inhabitants lived in the pretty Karoo town.

Cradock nowadays is the centre of the surrounding farming area, which mainly engages in sheep and ostrich breeding. The town's centrepiece is Market Street with its colourful "Tuishuise", diligently restored Settlers' homes built between 1840 and 1870. The historical cottages are furnished in the style of the olden days and are available as accommodation for travellers.

Cradock is a place of literary legends, war heroes and anti-Apartheid struggle icons. But it is perhaps best known for street level, day-to-day, warmth and kindness - so typical of much of the Eastern Cape .