Ross' Swamp (site)

Statement of Significance

Ross’ Swamp is of historical value for the incredible feat by Donald Ross in creating a drain through ironstone and granite for potato farming, as well as for the tragic events that transpired. Aesthetic Value The land has now returned to bushland, however the drain, although partially filled with leaf litter, is highly visible on the land, identifying itself as the land associated with Donald and Colin Ross. Historic Value Ross’ Swamp is of historic value both for its evident remains of the drain cut through rock for potato farming, for which Donald had been deemed somewhat of a local hero as well as a battler. However it is also of historic value for its tragic story of the Colin and Donald Ross murder/suicide, whereby Donald became ‘infamous’ through reports of the tragic story in newspapers across Australia. Although the place is rarely visited by the public, the story of the impossible trench and the tragic events, remain as part of the oral and written history passed on in the district. Research Value NA Social Value Ross’ Swamp was of some social value as the home and place of work for Donald and Colin Ross from around 1903 until January 1909. His trench and potato crops were considered locally as a great feat and undoubtedly men from the district would have visited on their travels toward this outlying area when the opportunity presented, as was the case of Thomas Maslin (Bridgetown) and his brother George, when they discovered the two men dead. The place is of little social value now as it is simply bushland and access is restricted due to dieback management.

Physical Description

This land, once a swamp potato farm, has been left to revegetate naturally and is now covered in trees (predominantly Jarrah, Marri and Banksia), however the drainage trench remains. The trench is 1.2km long and reaches depths of 14 feet at which point it passes through some 320m of laterite and granite. There is said to be evidence of a homestead in a corner of the area, which now only consists of iron nails detected underground by a metal detector. Whilst being leased by Donald Ross, the majority of the land was cleared, but did contain a plum tree which was still growing in 2006. However the land has now returned to bushland, as seen in photos above. Cattle grids remain on the property from a later period, which are of little significance.

History

‘Ross Swamp’ was the property leased primarily by Donald Ross and later worked with the help of his father Colin. Donald Ross began leasing Lot 1369 and Lot 1395 in July 1904 and commenced developing the land for potato farming. He completed the incredible feat of creating a drain for his potato swamp which locals had reportedly said to be impossible due to the surrounding terrain. This involved pick axing a 1.2km potato swamp drain through over 320m of Laterite and granite at a depth of 14 feet. In 1907 he additionally leased Lot 2016. In 1908 he did not appear to have a lease on Lot 2016, but instead had a lease on Lots 1369, 1395, 1860, 2638 and 2667. However the latter three were forfeited that same year, which according to newspaper reports in 1909, was due to being in arrears, most likely caused by heavy drinking. Donald’s heavy drinking seems to have increased after he lost the lease which apparently contained his homestead in 1908. In January 1909 Donald’s father wrote in his diary that his son was behaving strangely and suffering from Delirium tremens (DTs). Two days later Donald shot his father while they were sitting having lunch together outside their tent, and then turned the rifle on himself and committed suicide. Colin was deemed to have suffered an episode of temporary insanity. Despite the tragic turn of events, both men appear to have been respected in the community. Newspaper reports in 1909 make reference to Donald’s Potato farm as having been possibly the finest in the district.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low Medium Although the land has not been farmed for potatoes since the tragedy occurred in 1909, the trenches remain.

Condition

Trench still exists.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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