Tenterfield Region

Local History of Tenterfield Region in NSW, Australia

The Tenterfield Region in New South Wales, Australia is rich in history dating back to the Indigenous people who are believed to have inhabited the area for over 20,000 years. The first European to explore the region was Allan Cunningham in 1827, followed by Surveyor-General Sir Thomas Mitchell who named the area Tenterfield in 1848.

The town of Tenterfield was officially founded in 1851 during the Australian gold rush, which attracted people to the area in search of gold. The discovery of gold led to a population surge, with the town growing rapidly. Many of the buildings built during this period still stand to this day, including the Tenterfield Saddler which is famous for inspiring the song "The Tenterfield Saddler" by Peter Allen.

The region is also known for its associations with famous Australians, including Sir Henry Parkes, known as the "Father of Federation," and Peter Allen, who was born in Tenterfield in 1944. Sir Henry Parkes gave his famous Tenterfield Oration in 1889, in which he called for federation of the Australian colonies, which ultimately led to the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Tenterfield Railway Station is also of historical significance, as it was the site of a major railway accident in 1884 which killed six people and injured fourteen. The station has since been restored and remains an important part of the town's heritage.

The region played a significant role in the early days of aviation in Australia, with the first airmail flight in the country taking place in 1914 between Tenterfield and Glen Innes. This flight marked the beginning of the Australian Aerial Services, which later became Qantas Airways.

The Tenterfield Region has also been impacted by major events, including the devastating bushfires that swept through the area in 2019, destroying homes and property. However, the resilience of the local community has seen the region bounce back, with many businesses and homes rebuilt.

Overall, the Tenterfield Region has a rich and varied history that is still visible in the many heritage buildings and sites that can be found throughout the area. From the Indigenous people who first inhabited the region to the gold rush, famous Australians, and major events, the Tenterfield Region has played an important role in the development of Australia.