A Brief History Of Ipswich
Prior to the settlement of European settlers in the area there were several indigenous language groups that frequented the area. Groups including the Warpai tribe, Yuggera, and Ugarapul Indigenous Australian groups have been recognized as having ownership in the land. The land was known in the Yagara language as Tulmur. In recognition of their ownership the Ipswich council has signed an Accord [for change], which was renewed in 2020.
There are 200 Bora sites (significant areas to Australian Indigenous) within and around Ipswich. The history of the Jagera, and other tribes are recorded in the remnants of dreaming sites, fish traps, massacre sites, and large areas of old stone tools.
You may have seen Ipswich featured in the news, having been the recipient of many royal visits. Including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Alternatively, you might recognize the beautiful scenery in Ipswich from major films such as the Railway Man, Inspector Gadget too, or the Australian TV Drama, Rise. But these movies have failed to explore the rich history contained within Ipswich itself.
The colonial settlement Ipswich began as a mining settlement in 1826, when Captain Patrick Logan discovered limestone and other materials. Quickly the settlement grew due to its plentiful resources. You may recognize the name Ipswich as a British municipality – and that is where the name is drawn from! However, you may not know that Ipswich was a strong contender to become the capital city of Queensland.
Like many colonial settlements Ipswich housed a penal colony, and many convicts worked to grow the settlement. But, due to its useful location many free settlers (non-convicts) chose to stay in the area. That is why it quickly developed an immigration depot, ready to welcome its new citizens into the town. Despite not being the capital Ipswich was a leader in Queensland’s development. In 1860 is housed the first defence force for Queensland. In 1860 Ipswich also housed the first Baptist church.
A quick walk through the local township will give you a taste for how prolific the historic members of the town were. Many heritage buildings stand today, including the popular café 88 Limestone, or the fine dining restaurant ‘The Cottage.’ If you are exploring heritage areas in Ipswich keep an eye out for the ‘Thorn’ family name. This historic family were great leaders in both Ipswich and the Queensland Parliament. George Thorn was the first superintendent over the convicts at Ipswich (then known as Limestone Hill). His six sons continued the legacy becoming politicians, and eventually running the Queen’s Arms Hotel in 1847.
If you’re planning on finding out more about the history of Ipswich make sure that you investigate the limestone mines. These mines were the catalyst to the growth of the town, and allowed it to build into the great place that it is today.
There are 200 Bora sites (significant areas to Australian Indigenous) within and around Ipswich. The history of the Jagera, and other tribes are recorded in the remnants of dreaming sites, fish traps, massacre sites, and large areas of old stone tools.
You may have seen Ipswich featured in the news, having been the recipient of many royal visits. Including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Alternatively, you might recognize the beautiful scenery in Ipswich from major films such as the Railway Man, Inspector Gadget too, or the Australian TV Drama, Rise. But these movies have failed to explore the rich history contained within Ipswich itself.
The colonial settlement Ipswich began as a mining settlement in 1826, when Captain Patrick Logan discovered limestone and other materials. Quickly the settlement grew due to its plentiful resources. You may recognize the name Ipswich as a British municipality – and that is where the name is drawn from! However, you may not know that Ipswich was a strong contender to become the capital city of Queensland.
Like many colonial settlements Ipswich housed a penal colony, and many convicts worked to grow the settlement. But, due to its useful location many free settlers (non-convicts) chose to stay in the area. That is why it quickly developed an immigration depot, ready to welcome its new citizens into the town. Despite not being the capital Ipswich was a leader in Queensland’s development. In 1860 is housed the first defence force for Queensland. In 1860 Ipswich also housed the first Baptist church.
A quick walk through the local township will give you a taste for how prolific the historic members of the town were. Many heritage buildings stand today, including the popular café 88 Limestone, or the fine dining restaurant ‘The Cottage.’ If you are exploring heritage areas in Ipswich keep an eye out for the ‘Thorn’ family name. This historic family were great leaders in both Ipswich and the Queensland Parliament. George Thorn was the first superintendent over the convicts at Ipswich (then known as Limestone Hill). His six sons continued the legacy becoming politicians, and eventually running the Queen’s Arms Hotel in 1847.
If you’re planning on finding out more about the history of Ipswich make sure that you investigate the limestone mines. These mines were the catalyst to the growth of the town, and allowed it to build into the great place that it is today.