Upper Lachlan Local History
The region of Upper Lachlan is located in New South Wales, Australia. It is a rural area that covers approximately 7,113 square kilometers and is home to a small population of around 8,000 people. The area's history dates back thousands of years when it was inhabited by Indigenous Australians. However, the region's European history began in the early 1800s when explorers and settlers arrived in the area.
Early Settlement
In 1818, the area that is now known as Upper Lachlan was explored by Charles Throsby. Throsby was an explorer and early settler in the New South Wales colony. He was the first European to record his visit to the area, and he named the Lachlan River after Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
By the 1820s, squatters began grazing their sheep in the Upper Lachlan region. They would set up stations along the Lachlan River and other bodies of water in the area. The first station, known as Tyrl Tyrl, was established in 1821. Over the next few decades, more and more squatters arrived in the area, and the population slowly grew.
The Gold Rush
In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in New South Wales led to a gold rush in the Upper Lachlan region. The first goldfield was discovered at Tuena in 1851, and soon after, more goldfields were found in places like Gunning and Crookwell. By the late 1800s, the Upper Lachlan region was home to several thriving mining towns.
However, the gold rush also brought with it problems such as lawlessness and disease. Many of the miners who came to the area were from overseas, and they often brought illnesses with them. Typhoid and other diseases were common in the mining towns, and many people died as a result.
The Twentieth Century
By the early 1900s, the Upper Lachlan region had become a thriving agricultural area. Farmers were growing crops such as wheat, oats, and potatoes, as well as raising cattle and sheep. The towns in the area grew and developed, with infrastructure such as schools, churches, and hospitals being built.
During World War I, many young men from the Upper Lachlan region enlisted in the armed forces. Several were killed or injured in battle, and the community was deeply affected by the loss.
In the years following the war, the Upper Lachlan region continued to grow and develop. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, the area remained strong and resilient.
Recent Years
Today, the Upper Lachlan region is a beautiful and peaceful area that attracts visitors from all over the world. The region's natural beauty, including the picturesque countryside and the Lachlan River, is a drawcard for tourists. The area is also rich in history, with many historic buildings and sites to explore.
The people of the Upper Lachlan region are proud of their history and heritage. They continue to celebrate their past while looking towards the future. The region's strong community spirit and sense of pride in their local area are what make it such a special place to live and visit.