McDermott's Hill (Rock)

Statement of Significance

It is likely that these sites were noted by the first European explorer in the area, Thomas Bannister in 1830/31. The area is now part of "Dookening".

Physical Description

Located on one of the original land grants on the Williams River. The hill is about 1km from the
river which winds in an elbow shape from the south and west. A large granite rock in the SW of the hill a feature and between this and the southern elbow of the river are two large granite rocks with a white gum growing between. The lower (more westerly) of these rocks has a weathered base with a hole approx 30cm in diameter running east and west.

History

MacDermott was the first selector of Location E and the creek running north into the Williams
River in the Williams Townsite bears the name MacDermott's Brook.
Marshall MacDermott arrived in the colony aboard the 'Sterling' on 2 June 1831 which he
chartered in partnership with George Cheyne. He was allowed free selection of 18,296 acres which he took in the interior in July 1832. He also purchased land, near Perth and a town allotment in Fremantle.
In 1839 he was employed as cashier at the Bank of Australasia at Middle Swan where he later
became manager. After the Bank's closure in 1845 he immediately left with his family for South
Australia. He was also Director of the Agricultural Society in 1841. (1)

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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