The entire township of Braidwood has been classified by the National Trust.

Nineteenth century architecture includes houses and businesses which have served the town since the goldrush days. Preservation is encouraged by the local council and guided by the NSW Heritage Council.

Braidwood was named after surgeon and pioneer Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson, out of respect for his work improving conditions for convicts, and went on to boom as the commercial centre for the area's goldfields in the 1850's.