Cradock
The history of Cradock dates back to 1811 when Sir John Cradock ordered two strongholds erected to secure the eastern area of the Cape Colony. A township was formed in 1814, making Cradock the fourth oldest town in the Eastern Cape. The Great Fish River, the Mountain Zebra National Park and natural hot sulphur springs make Cradock a relatively popular tourist destination.Cradock lies in a broad part of the upper Fish River valley. The rich soil, plentiful water and warm climate make it an ideal lucerne, fruit and dairy farming area.
Attractions in Cradock
Cradock Spa - just outside Cradock next to the Great Fish River, where a complete surprise awaits the visitor - an ultra-modern Spa where you can experience the therapeutic properties of natural sulphur spring water, with both an open air swimming pool and indoor heated pool.
Mountain Zebra National Park
A sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra. The park also features the historical Doornhoek House Museum.
Great Fish River Museum
A museum in the converted second Dutch Reformed parish. Its theme is the settler lifestyle from the time of the second British occupation of the Cape in 1806.
Great Fish River Canoe Marathon
One of the sporting highlights of not just Cradock, but South Africa.
A 10m high curious rock formation 8km out of Cradock.
Ilex Oak Trees
Cradock is adorned with these distinctive trees, which, on Dundas Street, have been declared national Monument.
Old Water Mill
A old yellowwood watermill, restored to its original glory.
Van Riebeeck Karoo Garden
A superb collection and example of indigenous Karoo shrubs and succulents.
Cradock is known for extensive stock farming and owners of champion stud animals from the district regularly compete successfully in national shows country-wide. The district of Cradock is particularly well known for the production of mohair, wool and red meat. The availability of water from the Orange River through the Orange Fish River tunnel has resulted in an increase in the cultivation of crops, particularly lucern, under irrigation.
HISTORICAL VIEW
The area which the first settlers set eyes on the early 19th century was a bleak, inhospitable place, home to only the hardiest of men. It was, however, so well located from a strategic military point of view that the governing authorities in the Cape needed little encouragement to establish a garrison of troops here at the end of the Fourth Frontier War to protect the settlers from marauding tribes. The first fort was built in 1813 by the Deputy Landdrost of Graaff-Reinet, Andries Stockenstrom, on instructions from the governor, Sir John Cradock. Piet van Heerden’s loan farm, Buffelshoek, was selected as the ideal site because it had plenty of water and was well situated. Soon a town began to take shape. The official name of Cradock was granted to the town on 21 January 1814. It became the fourth town in the Eastern Province following Grahamstown, Uitenhage and Graaff Reinet. On 20 June 1837, Cradock was granted municipal status. Cradock is situated on the main railway line and road link between Port Elizabeth and main inland centres. In Cradock the main business is farming which has advanced with renewed vitality since the completion of the Orange Fish River Irrigation Scheme.
Cradock Club
Erected in approximately 1850 and established as the Cradock Club in 1881 – the same year the railway line reached Cradock from Port Elizabeth. During the Anglo Boer War , the Club was used as a mess by the officers of the Sherwood Forresters Regiment. At the end of the war, and out of gratitude, they donated their Burmese Teak dining room table, 12 chairs and writing table to the Club. This priceless acquisition is still in mint condition today and stands in the club’s reading room. The Quercus Ilex Oak trees in the front garden of the club, as well the parking area of the adjoining supermarket, were declared national monuments, and one of them is reputed to be one of the world’s largest specimens. They were planted in 1850 by Charles Scanlen a relative of the first mayor of Cradock.
Cradock Library
One of the oldest libraries in South Africa
Die Tuisbuisie
Fifteen beautifully restored mid-19th century houses, each boasting different styles of period furniture. The houses today serve as overnight tourist accommodation
Dr Reginald Koettlitz’s Grave
The famous geologist Dr Reginald Koettlitz, was the senior medical officer with captain RF Scott’s first expedition to the Antarctic, on the Discovery in 1905. Shortly thereafter, he settled in South Africa and started a medical practice in the Somerset East district. On the 10th of January 1916, both he and his wife died in Cradock, she of a hear disease, and he a few hours later of dysentery. They are both buried near the southern entrance of the cemetery. The inscription on his gravestone reads:”Here lies Reginald Koettlitz, Explorer and traveler, surgeon and geologist to Expeditions North Polar and Abyssinia and with Scott to the Antarctic”. Open to public during the day.
Dutch Reformed ‘Mother’ Church
The church was completed in 1868 on the site of the original church. This church community was the first in Cradock, established in 1824, only ten years after the town’s official naming. The design of the church was based on the ‘St Martins-in-the-Field’ church of London. The well known South African statesman Paul Kruger was christened in the church in 1826 and his name appears in the register. During the Anglo-Boer-War, the church roof was used as a lookout post by the British soldiers who occupied the town. It is told that at the opening ceremony, attended by thousands of people, the builder refused to hand over the door keys until certain contract monies had been paid. This dilemma was solved by hurriedly appealing to the masses for donations. Only part of the outstanding monies were collected, but the builder was satisfied, and the ceremony continued. Apparently the church had cost 24 500 pound to build.
Early 20th Century Horse Drinking Trough
Farmers and travelers watered their horses here after a long journey. Commissioned by the Cradock Town Council in commemoration of King Edward VII, in 1902.
Great Fish River Museum
The building was the second Dutch Reformed Church parsonage in Cradock. Built in 1849, the building was declared a national monument in 1971. The museum depicts the earlier history of the Eastern Province pioneers from 1840 to 1900. The Coach House houses an Ox wagon, four-horse cart, a Cape cart and a hearse from the early settler period. The garden is a typical example of a parsonage garden of 100 years ago.
Jurie Lombard Watermill
A yellowwood watermill made from timber purchased from the first Dutch Reformed Church in Cradock (demolished in 1862). The mill was used on the farm Lombardsrus in the Cradock district until 1928. In the 1970’s it was donated to the Cradock Foundation and is today housed in a building in the town park.
Linglihle Graveyard
Epitaphs of comrades who lost their lives during the apartheid years.
Olive Schreiner Grave
Olive, her husband, Samuel Cron Cronwright, their baby and dog, are interred in a sarcophagus on top of Buffelskop one has a beautiful view of the Great Fish River Valley, a sight which so impressive Olive Schreiner herself, and the reason for her decision to be buried there. The walk up the mountain and visit to the grace site is only recommended for those who are reasonably fit. A full half day is needed to complete the trip.
Olive Schreiner House
The famous South African author, who amongst many other literary works, wrote the ‘Story of an African Farm’, lived in this house in Cross Street in her youth, between 1867 – 1870. A pictorial display of her life can be seen in the house. Schreiner houses was bought by was bought by AA Mutual Life and subsequently restored as a joint project with the Town Council of Cradock. It has since been donated to the National English Literary Museum (NELM), and was declared a national monument in 1986. The local library works and manuscripts preserved for posterity.
‘Oukop’ Hill
(2,5 km from Cradock on Middelburg Road). Offers a panoramic view of the whole of Cradock. The hill was used as a lookout during the Anglo-Boer War and rock etchings made by the soldiers during this time can still be seen.
St Peters Church
Was built in 1857 / 58. The rectory was built by means of a loan from a certain Van Heerden, the Bishop himself standing security.
NATURE
Commando Drift Nature Reserve
A scenic and 6000 ha reserve located 60 km north of on the Tarkastad road. Three rivers fed the Commando Drift Dam, which is located in the reserve. Wildlife includes the endangered mountain zebra, blesbok, red hartebeest and springbok. A 4x4 vehicle is ideal for game viewing. Tours in park vehicles can also be arranged. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. The dam provides swimming, boating (canoes for hire) and angling. Accommodation facilities consist of self catering chalets and a caravan park.
Endurance Trail
Two days, 28 km circular trail. Guided on request. Recreation area, three huts sleeping four people each. The overnight hut sleeps six people. Hikers must bring their own sleeping bags, food and eating utensils.
ATTRACTIONS
Austen’s Chemist
Was established in 1846 and is still operating under it’s original name.
Arts & Crafts
Curios, Crafts, Home Industries Antique Shop
Dit & Dat
Ibhongo Crafts
Ma’Am Rose Gifts
The Sample Room
Cradock Spa
4 km from Cradock. A ultra-modern Spa where you can experience the therapeutic properties of natural sulphur spring water. The Spa has both an open air swimming bath and a heated indoor pool. Accommodation comprises fully equipped and serviced chalets and a lush green caravan and camping site. Other features include a licensed restaurant, conference centre, picnic and braai areas under shady trees, and a children’s play ground. The Spa is also the start of two hiking trials, one of 4,5 km leading up the mountain, and the other, 11 km along the banks of the Great Fish River.
Egg Rock
8 km from Cradock on Queenstown Road. A 10 m high egg shaped dolerite rock, weighing approximately 488 tons, precariously balanced on edge, on seemingly unstable material, with a piece missing on the southern side reputedly cleaved by lightning – circa 1937. A visit to the rock and spending time climbing and admiring the scenery takes about an hour and a half.
Fish River
The river’s white waters are the venue for the biggest canoe marathon in South Africa.
Grassridge Dam
Used for water sports. The dam is the starting point for the famed Fish River Canoe Marathon.
Van Riebeek Karoo Garden
Outstanding collection of Karoo shrubs and succulents
Commando Drift Nature Reserve, Cradock Spa, Mountain Zebra National Park, Olive Schreiner’s Gravesite.
ACTIVITIES
Bird Watching
Fish River
Tube, raft, paddle or hike down the picturesque Fish River.
Game Viewing and Hunting
Hiking
Irrigation tunnels
Additional water is obtained by the Cradock area from the Orange River via a 82 kms long tunnel, - one of the longest irrigation tunnels in the world! (The Sanliurfa tunnels are the largest irrigation tunnels in the world. Located in southeastern Anatolia region in Turkey).
The Gunnison Tunnel is a 5.8 mile (9.3 km) irrigation tunnel constructed between 1905 and 1909 by the Bureau of Reclamation. At the time of its completion, it was the longest irrigation tunnel in the world. The tunnel diverts water from the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the arid Uncompahgre Valley around Montrose, Colorado.