Albury

Local History of Albury, New South Wales, Australia

Albury is a city located on the banks of the Murray River in New South Wales, Australia. The city is known for its rich history, which dates back to the 1820s when the first European settlers arrived in the area.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Albury area was inhabited by the Wiradjuri people who lived off the land and waterways for thousands of years. The Wiradjuri people were known for their skilled hunting and gathering techniques and their knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

The first European to explore the Albury area was Major Thomas Mitchell, who crossed the Murray River near what is now Albury in 1836. Mitchell named the area 'Kodall' after a local Wiradjuri leader.

In 1838, the first European settlers arrived in the Albury area. The first land grant in the area was given to William Wyse in 1839, and he established a cattle station near what is now the suburb of Thurgoona. Other settlers soon followed, and by the 1850s, Albury had become an important stopover for those travelling between Sydney and Melbourne.

The town of Albury was officially gazetted in 1859, and by the 1860s, the railway had arrived, which helped to facilitate trade and transport in the area. The railway also allowed for the growth of the timber industry, which became one of the major industries in the region.

During the 20th century, Albury continued to grow and develop, with the construction of new suburbs, shopping centres, and community facilities. The city also played an important role in Australia's military efforts, with many servicemen and women from Albury serving in both World War I and World War II.

Today, Albury is a thriving regional centre with a population of over 50,000 people. The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many events and festivals held throughout the year. Albury is also home to several educational institutions, including Charles Sturt University, which has a campus in the city.

Overall, the history of Albury is a rich and diverse one that has seen the region transform from the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people to a thriving regional city with a strong sense of community and identity.