McIvor: A History of the Shire and the Township of Heathcote by J O Randell

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Book has minimal edgewear. Slight mark on tail foredge. Interior is excellent. Dust jacket has some creasing and minor tearing at spine top. Fading of cover at spine. See images for more information.

A comprehensive local history of the town of Heathcote and the surrounding Shire of McIvor that includes passing references to early encounters with the Aboriginal Australians.

Major Sir Thomas Mitchell led the first European exploration through the district in 1836. The country was then taken up by pastoralists who occupied large leaseholds running with sheep. By 1852 the European population was nearing 400 people. It is estimated that the Indigenous population was about 30 people.

The farming life was shattered by 1853 with the news of gold discovered in McIvor Creek. The rush began, and 20,000 people flocked to the Heathcote town, experiencing all the excitement of a gold rush, including bushrangers, hotels and gambling.

Mining declined gradually, and the district reverted to sheep grazing and wool production.