Sutherland was founded in 1855 as a church and market town to serve the area's sheep farmers.

[7] The nearby South African Astronomical Observatory also plays a significant role in the town's economy and is a major driver of tourism to the area.

[5] The town also has a number of bars, restaurants and an amateur astronomy observatory that service the tourism sector.

[5] Sutherland has recently gained in popularity, with many Capetonians buying property in the town and many more visiting on weekends and vacations.

[citation needed] Sutherland's arid climate and remote location 1,450 metres (4,760 ft) above sea level make its night skies among the world's clearest and darkest.