This fort was first occupied in 1847 and is reputedly haunted by the numerous ghosts, who for some obscure reason have become attached to the place. The Estcourt fort was designed as a substantial stronghold, and built to protect transport riders and the herds of cattle driven across the ford. It is as secure as any castle with drinking water tanks in the basement, a drawbridge, moat and two secret tunnels. 

A trading station, blacksmith and inn were established under the protection of the garrison and in 1863 it was decided to call the village Estcourt in honour of Thomas Estcourt, an English parliamentarian who sponsored the immigration of settlers into the area. Today Estcourt is a thriving center of industry particularly for livestock and meat products. Estcourt is also a gateway for tourism for the Drakensberg and Battlefields regions of South Africa.

Estcourt Anglo-Boer War battle sites include the Brynbella-Willow Grange. Veglaager ("Battle Laager") is the site of a battle between the Boers and Zulus in 1838. Bloukrans Memorial marks the site where Voortrekker families were killed after the murder of their leader, Piet Retief. Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers at Chievely in 1899. A memorial marks the site of the engagement during which he was captured.

Visitors may witness the interesting process of glass making at Glamosa Glass. There is a large factory shop sector in town where people may buy a wide variety of products.Hiking trails in the 

Estcourt area lead to destinations such as Giant’s Castle in the Drakensberg Mountain range and will take you past San caves and a site museum.