The History of Myrtleford
from Original Owners to Today
from Original Owners to Today
The Myrtleford and District Historical Society Incorporated recognizes the Ya-itma-thang tribal group group of the Dhudoroa people, original owners of the Myrtleford and surrounding district.
Early history of Myrtleford
The Town of Myrtleford is one of the older in the North-East of Victoria, being created in the mid 1850's, when gold fever was at its height at Beechworth and at Buckland.
The name probably originated from the fact that Myrtle Creek (now Barwidgee Creek) had to be crossed en route to the Buckland Diggings, at the western approach to the present site of Myrtleford, as a safe ford was available there.
The name probably originated from the fact that Myrtle Creek (now Barwidgee Creek) had to be crossed en route to the Buckland Diggings, at the western approach to the present site of Myrtleford, as a safe ford was available there.
Major Events in Early Myrtleford History
- 1824 - Explorers Hume & Hovell pass through Whorouly and name the Ovens River and Mt Buffalo.
- 1836 - Explorer Major Thomas Mitchell crosses the Ovens at Wangaratta.
- 1837 - John Hillas, an overlander, establishes the Myrtle Creek Run.
- 1853 - First gold miners appear in the "Myrtle Creek Village" en route to the Buckland Diggings.
- 1858 - Proclamation of the town as "Myrtleford".
- 1866 - Town becomes part of the Shire of Bright.
Our Society's Formation
The Myrtleford & District Historical Society was Incorporated in 1978.
