Cradock was one of the nation's first government--built planned communities along with the neighboring Truxtun.  Conceived as a model community, it incorporated many of the most advanced planning techniques of its day.  The construction was funded through an act of Congress in 1918 which allowed the Federal Government to build housing projects related to the wartime efforts.

Most of the features of the present-day planned community including schools, recreational areas, commercial area, and public transportation where provided for Cradock.   All facilities where within walking distance  of one another.  The town pioneered the use of concealed utility lines.  The town had its own government built schools, fire house, sewerage, water system and electric street lighting system.  Afton Parkway, the major traffic boulevard, also carried the street car line.  The street car line ran to the Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, and other suburban areas.  When WWI ended in 1920, the US Housing Corporation was unable to continue to assume the cost of public services forcing the orphaned community to assume self government until Norfolk County was able to adopt Cradock in 1922.  Courtesy Cradock & Truxtun Design and Rehabilitation Guidelines and History by the Alumni and Friends of Cradock, INC.