Greater Hume Local History
Greater Hume, a region in southern New South Wales, Australia, has a rich local history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The area, which covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers, is named after Hamilton Hume, an Australian explorer who passed through the region in the early 1800s.
The Greater Hume region is home to several small towns, including Culcairn, Holbrook, Henty, Jindera, and Walla Walla, which all have unique histories and are centers of local culture.
Pre-colonial era
The area that makes up the Greater Hume region was once inhabited by the Wiradjuri people, who lived in the region for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Wiradjuri people were expert hunters and fishermen and had a rich culture based on their deep connection to the land.
Colonial era
The first Europeans to visit the Greater Hume region were the explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell, who passed through the area in 1824 on their journey from Sydney to Port Phillip Bay. The first European settlement in the area was established at Albury in 1839, and over the following decades, small towns began to spring up throughout the region.
Many of these towns initially developed as stopping places for travelers and were home to inns and other accommodations. The discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s further spurred the growth of the region, as many miners traveled through the area en route to the goldfields.
One of the most significant events in the history of the Greater Hume region occurred during World War II when the town of Holbrook was used as a training center for the US Navy's submarine service. The town, which was named after Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook, a Royal Navy officer, became known as "The Submarine Town" and is still home to a memorial to Holbrook and the US Navy.
Today, the Greater Hume region is a thriving rural area that is home to a range of industries, including agriculture and manufacturing. The region is known for its rich soils, which make it ideal for growing crops such as wheat, canola, and barley. Many of the towns in the area are also centers of local culture and are home to events such as agricultural shows, music festivals, and art exhibitions.
Conclusion
The Greater Hume region of New South Wales has a rich local history that is intertwined with the history of Australia as a whole. From its Aboriginal heritage to its role in World War II, the region has been shaped by a range of historical events and figures. Today, the region continues to thrive as a center of industry and culture, and its towns and cities remain an important part of the fabric of Australian society.