Hankey is the oldest Town nestled at the confluence of the Klein and Gamtoos Rivers, is a treasure trove of History and natural wonders. Part of the Kouga Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, it offers a glimpse into South Africa’s rich heritage and agritourism delights.
It's name being symbolic of royalty (“Kroon” is Dutch for crown), Kroonstad has very humble beginnings. It was named after Voorktrekker Sarel Cilliers' horse, who drowned in a stream here-, the stream was named- 'Kroonspruit'. (Charl Arnoldus Cilliers was a Voortrekker leader and a preacher.
Before the arrival of European Settlers, it was a watering ground for early Khoi Herders. The first encounter between these herders and Europeans was with the battle against Fransisco d’Almeida, which has been linked to the legend of a Princess.