The town was founded in the West Nuweveld in 1851. Fraserburg has a very rich historical heritage. The earliest inhabitants of the area were Bushmen, and signs of their culture can still be found in the vicinity.
Agricultural activities range from intensive crop production and mixed farming in winter rainfall and high summer rainfall areas to cattle ranching in the bushveld and sheep farming in the arid regions. Maize is most widely grown, followed by wheat, oats, ...