Machadodorp was named after Joachim Machado – the Portuguese surveyor and Governor of Mozambique who established the route of the railway line from Maputo (formerly Lorenzo Marques) to Pretoria.  A railway station opened  on 10th July 1894.

The town started as a railway village in 1894. in 1900 it became the capital of the old Republic for 3 weeks when President Kruger ran his government from railway carriages in a siding of the Machadodorp Railway Station. Following his defeat at the Battle of Berg-en-Dal he went into exile in Mozambique.

Machadodorp is therefore an interesting historical village where President Kruger ran his parliament for 3 weeks during the boer War during 1900. There is a very interesting Boer War Grave Yard at the outskirts of the village, and many other historical sites
Ruins in the form of round stone circles, built by  ancient people, are evident in the area.

Machadodorp is similarly well known for its fly fishing in the Elandsriver, the municipal dams and at a number of private dams in the area.  In 1907 a consignment of trout fry destined for a local farm were too weak to travel to the farm, and in stead tipped into the river and grew to large fish. This is how Machadodorp became a trout fishing destination.

Machadodorp has developed into a little service village for the surrounding sheep, cattle, and trout farms and lodges in the area. It also houses people working for the Asmang Manganese Processing Plant just outside the village. In and around the town various venues can be found for the accommodation of fly fishermen, tourists, etc.

The climate is warm to hot in summer, and brisk and cool in winter.