Uralla

Local History of Uralla, NSW, Australia

Uralla is a small town located in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated about halfway between Armidale and Tamworth, and is known for its historic buildings, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities.

The area, which is now Uralla, was originally inhabited by the Anaiwan people who lived off the land by hunting, fishing and gathering. In the early 1800s, European explorers and settlers began to arrive in the area.

In 1841, a young Scottish explorer named Allan Cunningham discovered the area while searching for new grazing lands. He named the valley 'Uralla', which is thought to mean 'meeting place' or 'meeting of the waters' in the language of the local Aboriginal people.

The first official land grant in the area was awarded to William Dangar in 1848. Dangar was a prominent landowner and politician, who later built the homestead, 'Booloominbah', in nearby Armidale.

During the mid-1800s, the town grew rapidly and became an important center for agriculture, mining, and commerce. A number of notable buildings were constructed during this time, including the post office, courthouse, and police station.

Uralla was also involved in the infamous bushranger era of Australian history. In 1864, the town was the site of a major showdown between the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt and a group of police. Thunderbolt was eventually captured and taken to trial in Armidale.

Throughout the 20th century, Uralla continued to grow and develop. The town diversified its economy, with industries such as timber, wool, and tourism becoming increasingly important. In 1969, Uralla was officially declared a town, and its population has continued to grow steadily.

Today, Uralla is a vibrant community with a rich history and an exciting future. Visitors to the area can explore its historic buildings, enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, and learn about the diverse stories and traditions of the Anaiwan people and the European settlers who came after them.