Northern Tablelands Local History
The Northern Tablelands region in New South Wales, Australia has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region is named after the tablelands which dominate the landscape and reach altitudes of up to 1,500 meters above sea level.
Long before European settlers arrived, the region was home to the Anaiwan, Kamilaroi, and the Dunghutti people who lived off the land and had a deep connection to their country. The Anaiwan people were the traditional owners of the land north of the Dorrigo Plateau to the Queensland border. The Kamilaroi people were known for their hunting skills and occupied the land to the east and west of the New England Tablelands. Meanwhile, the Dunghutti people were known for their fishing and lived along the coast.
The first recorded European contact in the region was in 1818 when explorer John Oxley passed through during his journey to find new grazing land. However, it was not until 1832 that the first pastoralists arrived in the region, led by Henry Dumaresq. He established a large property on the western side of the New England Tableland, which he named 'Saumarez' after his ancestral home in Normandy, France.
The discovery of gold in the region in the mid-1800s led to a boom in population and the establishment of several towns. Many of these towns were founded as mining communities and flourished during the gold rush. One such town is Armidale, which was established in 1843 and is now the largest town in the Northern Tablelands region.
The Northern Tablelands region played an important role in Australia's early agricultural industry. It was particularly renowned for its wool production, which was exported to England. In the late 1800s, a number of large sheep stations were established in the region, including 'Gostwyck' and 'Llangothlin'.
The region was also home to some of the first experiments in agricultural science in Australia. In 1891, the Armidale Experimental Farm was established to test crops and breeding techniques for the local conditions. The farm played an important role in supporting the region's agricultural industry through the early 1900s.
The Northern Tablelands region was not immune to the impacts of World War I, which had a significant impact on the region's economy. Many young men from the region went off to fight in the war, and the loss of life and injury had a profound impact on local communities. The Northern Tablelands region also suffered a drought in the 1920s, which caused widespread hardship.
The region continued to experience ups and downs throughout the 20th century, with large-scale grazing, timber, and mining industries shaping the economy. The 1970s and 1980s saw a new focus on tourism, with the establishment of national parks and heritage trails throughout the region. The region now attracts tourists from around Australia and the world, who come to appreciate the area's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The local history of the Northern Tablelands region is a fascinating story that spans thousands of years. From the traditional owners of the land to the arrival of European settlers and the establishment of pastoral and mining industries, the region has seen many changes throughout the centuries. Today, the Northern Tablelands region continues to be an important part of Australia's cultural and economic landscape.