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Old photos of Mount Gambier, South Australia
 

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History of city Mount Gambier, South Australia in photos

A small historical reference

Geography: Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of Mount Gambier (volcano) in the south east of the state, about 450 kilometres (280 mi) south-east of the capital Adelaide and just 17 kilometres (11 mi) from the Victorian border, it is the most important settlement in the Limestone Coast region and the seat of government for both the City of Mount Gambier and the District Council of Grant.

The peak of the inactive volcano was the first place in South Australia named by European explorers. It was sighted in 1800 by Lieutenant James Grant from the survey brig, HMS Lady Nelson, and named for Lord James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet. The peak is marked by Centenary Tower, built in 1901 to commemorate the first sighting, and at 192 metres (630 ft) above sea level the landmark is the city's highest point. (Wiki)

Date of foundation: 1854

History: The Henty brothers who owned large holdings in Portland, Western Victoria, laid claim to the land but were forced to retreat when the lands were granted to Evelyn Sturt, the brother of the explorer Charles Sturt. Industries soon began to appear. The Post Office opened on 22 September 1846, John Byng built the Mount Gambier Hotel in 1847, and Dr Edward Wehl arrived in 1849 to begin a flour-milling operation.

Hastings Cunningham founded "Gambierton" in 1854 by subdividing a block of 77 acres (31 ha). From 1861 to 1878 the Post Office was known by this name before reverting to Mount Gambier. Local government appeared in 1863 when Dr Wehl, who now owned a substantial millhouse on Commercial Road, was elected chairman of the District Council of Mount Gambier. In December 1864 this became the District Council of Mount Gambier West and, at the same time, a separate District Council of Mount Gambier East was formed.

Incorporation in 1876 saw a further division, with the creation of the Town Council and Mr John Watson elected Mayor. Mount Gambier was governed in this fashion until 1932, when the District Council of East and West merged to form a single District Council of Mount Gambier once more.

On 9 December 1954, Mount Gambier was officially declared a city.

Population: 28 929

Sights: The city is known for its geographical features, particularly its volcanic and limestone features, most notably its Blue Lake, parks and gardens, caves and sinkholes.

Mount Gambier. Baptist Church, 1900
Baptist Church, 1900
Mount Gambier. Buildings along Bay Road, 1955
Buildings along Bay Road, 1955
Mount Gambier. Caves Gardens and Jens Hotel
Caves Gardens and Jens Hotel, circa 1935
Mount Gambier. Church of Holy Cross
Church of Holy Cross, circa 1875
Mount Gambier. City gardens and Post Office
City gardens and the Post Office in centre of photograph, circa 1920
Mount Gambier. Commercial Street, 1870
Commercial Street, 1870
Mount Gambier. Commercial Street, 1886
Commercial Street, 1886
Mount Gambier. Cottage, 1865
Cottage, 1865
Mount Gambier. Crouch's store
Crouch's store, circa 1867
Mount Gambier. Old Residents' Association, 1913
First picnic of Old Residents' Association, 1913
Mount Gambier. Gifford's Hotel, 1938
Gifford's Hotel, 1938
Mount Gambier. Hospital, circa 1890
Hospital, circa 1890
Mount Gambier. Panorama of town street, 1950
Panorama of town street, 1950
Mount Gambier. The 'Old Gold' plane
The 'Old Gold' plane, pictured in 1930, which was Mount Gambier's first passenger air service
Mount Gambier. Town Hall, 1882
Town Hall, 1882
Mount Gambier. Town Hall, circa 1890
Town Hall, circa 1890

Photos posted on the website in accordance with Article 7, paragraph 1 of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works of 9 September 1886, the term of protection which is fifty years after the author's death.

After this period photos it becomes public domain. The participants of the Berne Convention are 167 States.


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