Nairne Local History
Nairne is a town located in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia, approximately 45 km southeast of the state capital Adelaide. The town has a population of around 2,000 people and has a rich local history.
The area where Nairne is located was originally inhabited by the Peramangk Aboriginal people. European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century, with the first recorded European settlement in the area occurring in 1839 when pastoralist Andrew McFarlane and his brother David established the Mosquito Plains sheep run.
The town of Nairne was founded in 1839 by Scottish settler John Baker, who named the town after his wife's family name. The town quickly became an important stop for travelers and farmers in the region, as it was located on the main road between Adelaide and the Murray River port of Goolwa.
In the mid-19th century, the town experienced a period of rapid growth due to the discovery of gold in nearby Victoria. The town became an important center for the transport of goods and people to Victoria, and many inns and shops sprang up to cater to the travelers passing through. Some of the town's historic buildings from this period still stand today, including the Victoria Hotel and the Old Post Office.
The town has also played an important role in the development of agriculture in the region. The town's first vineyard was established in the late 19th century, and other crops such as wheat, barley and oats were also grown in the area. The town is still surrounded by productive farmland today, with many small orchard and vineyard businesses operating in the surrounding hills.
In the early 20th century, the town's economy shifted towards manufacturing, with a large number of factories and mills opening up in the area. The town's railway station also became an important center for the transport of goods and people, as it connected Nairne to other towns and cities in the region. However, the town's manufacturing sector declined in the latter half of the 20th century due to changing economic conditions, and many of the factories and mills were closed down.
Today, Nairne is a largely residential town with a bustling main street that still retains much of its historic charm. The town's community is active and engaged, with many local organizations and events that promote the town's heritage and culture. The town also has a strong sense of community spirit, with residents taking pride in their town's history and working together to maintain its character.