Glen Innes Severn

Local History of Glen Innes Severn, NSW

Glen Innes Severn is a local government area in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Kwiambal and Ngoorabul people before the arrival of European settlers.

The first European exploration of the area was carried out by Allan Cunningham in 1827, and he named the area after Governor Ralph Darling's wife, Lady Glen Innes. The town of Glen Innes was officially established in 1851, during the Australian gold rush, and it quickly became an important hub for the surrounding agricultural industry.

One of the most significant events in the history of Glen Innes Severn was the New England Bushrangers' War, which took place between 1830 and 1840. The war was waged by a group of bushrangers who were unhappy with the harsh treatment they had received from the British authorities. The bushrangers were eventually defeated by the British soldiers and the local police, and many of them were executed or sent to prison.

The region was also home to several important indigenous resistance leaders, including Mary Queen of the Four Winds and Pemulwuy. Both leaders fought against the early colonial forces and played significant roles in defending their land from invasion.

In the late 19th century, the town of Glen Innes became an important center for wool trading, and many of the grand old buildings in the town's center date back to this time. The town's heritage-listed post office, which opened in 1880, is one of the most iconic buildings in the area.

The area around Glen Innes Severn is also known for its rich mining resources, including tin, gold, and sapphires. The first gold rush in the area was in the 1850s, and the town of Emmaville became an important center for tin mining in the early 20th century. Today, the region is home to several major mining operations, including the Cobar Consolidated Mine and the Invincible Mine.

During World War II, the region played an important role in the defense of Australia. The RAAF Glen Innes airfield, which was constructed in 1942, was used as a training base for Australian and American pilots. The airfield was decommissioned after the war and is now a popular site for aircraft enthusiasts and gliders.

Today, Glen Innes Severn is a thriving community with a rich history and cultural heritage. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Gibraltar Range National Park, which boasts stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, and the famous Standing Stones, which are a tribute to the area's Celtic heritage.

In recent years, the region has also become a popular destination for sustainable tourism, with farmers and producers offering farm-to-table dining experiences, and locals showcasing their artisanal wares at the Glen Innes Markets.

Overall, the local history of Glen Innes Severn is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the people who have lived and worked in the area for centuries. From the indigenous resistance leaders to the wool traders and mining pioneers, the region has a rich and diverse past that continues to shape its present and future.