Situated on the N6 highway, 130 kilometres south of Bloemfontein, Smithfield boasts a wealth of historical monuments, San Rock Art galleries, a golf course and tennis and bowls facilities. Hiking and Hill trails are also popular activities, attracting visitors to the town.

Governor of the Cape, Sir Harry Smith laid the foundation stone for a church intended to be the focal point of the town of Smithfield in 1848. Serving today as an important commercial centre for the wool farming and cattle ranching districts surrounding it, Smithfield was not always so peaceful. Established in an area which was traditionally the home of the Basotho Tribe, the Smithfield settlers were forced to endure the three successive Basotho Wars of 1858, 1865, and 1867. With all this upheaval and the fact that water was not plentiful in the area, it is not surprising that it took 100 years for Smithfield to come of age and attain municipal status.