Corowa Local History
Corowa: A Local History
Corowa is a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the Murray River, about 300 kilometers southwest of Sydney. The town has a rich and fascinating history, which extends back to the early days of European settlement in the region.
Early History
The traditional owners of the land on which Corowa now stands are the Wiradjuri people. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Wiradjuri have been living in the area for at least 40,000 years, long before European settlement. The Wiradjuri had a rich cultural heritage, with complex social systems and a deep connection to the land.
The first European to visit the area was explorer Charles Sturt, who passed through in 1838. However, it was not until the 1850s that the first European settlers arrived. One of these early settlers was a man named Hamilton Hume, who established a sheep station near the Murray River in 1856.
By the late 1850s, the township of Corowa had started to develop. The town was named after a property owned by a local landowner, James Fallon. The name "Corowa" is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "North Wind."
Growing Pains
During the 1860s, Corowa grew rapidly, as more and more settlers moved into the area. In 1862, a bridge was built over the Murray River, connecting Corowa with Wahgunyah in Victoria. This helped to further spur the growth of the town, making it a major hub of transportation between Victoria and New South Wales.
In 1873, Corowa was officially declared a town. By this time, it had a population of over 1,000 people and was one of the largest towns in the Riverina region. The town had a number of important institutions, including a courthouse, a police station, and a hospital.
The Federation Movement
Corowa played a significant role in the early years of the Federation movement, which aimed to unite the six colonies of Australia into a single nation. In 1893, a group of politicians, journalists, and businessmen met in Corowa to discuss the issue of Federation. The Corowa Conference, as it became known, was a pivotal moment in the history of Australian democracy.
The conference was attended by 23 delegates from New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. They discussed the idea of a federal constitution, which would establish a federal system of government and give greater power to the colonies. The conference was seen as a success, and many of the ideas and proposals put forward at Corowa were later incorporated into the Australian Constitution.
Recent Years
Corowa continued to grow and develop throughout the 20th century. Today, it is a thriving town with a population of around 6,000 people. The town has a strong agricultural industry, with many farmers growing crops such as wheat, barley, and canola.
Corowa is also known for its tourism industry. The town is located in a beautiful part of the country, with a number of wineries, nature reserves, and other attractions nearby. The town is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Corowa Art Space Festival and the Corowa Whiskey and Chocolate Festival.
History of in Corowa
Corowa has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the earliest days of European settlement in the Riverina region. From its humble beginnings as a small township, it has grown into a thriving town with a rich cultural heritage. Today, it is an important center of agriculture, industry, and tourism, and remains a wonderful place to live or visit.