Beechworth c.1852
First named Mayday Hills, early settler David Reid grazed his stock until the discovery of gold in February 1852. By late 1852 thousands of hopefuls rushed to the alluvial gold fields in search of their fortunes and an exploding population escalated to 8,000! Miners came from around the world including Europe, UK, USA and Asia. From a humble settlement of campsites and timber huts, rapid social and economic change occurred with the arrival of mining families and businesses to support the growing community. In 1853 the town was renamed Beechworth. By 1867 more than four million ounces of gold had been discovered!
Beechworth's early administrators had the vision to realise the gold would not last forever. They made substantial investment in public amenities. A hospital for the aged, gaol, general hospital and mental asylum were all constructed or upgraded during the 1850s and 60s. It was the presence of these major institutions that maintained the economic strength of Beechworth after the gold years and into the 1990s. (From: Beechworth . com)
Beechworth's early administrators had the vision to realise the gold would not last forever. They made substantial investment in public amenities. A hospital for the aged, gaol, general hospital and mental asylum were all constructed or upgraded during the 1850s and 60s. It was the presence of these major institutions that maintained the economic strength of Beechworth after the gold years and into the 1990s. (From: Beechworth . com)
