Mount Hampton Reserve

Statement of Significance

This area has historic and social significance. The explorer, H Lefroy, was encouraged by the York Agricultural Society and Colonial Governor, Hampton, to travel east looking for good pastoral areas. Lefroy's task was made easier by Aboriginal people who led them along Aboriginal tracks and helped them
find watering spots. In May 1863 Lefroy found water and camped near a large rock which he named Mount Hampton. There are a series of native gnamma water holes in this region and a 'soak' area at the rock. C C Hunt visited this area in the 1860s mapping watering spots to be used later by pastoralists and explorers. At the time of gold discoveries at the turn of the century in the Yilgarn. large pastoral leases were taken up. Mr N C Carter took two leases of 8000 hectares around Mount Hampton. The story persists that he mustered
cattle from surrounding areas and watered them in a stone rimmed soak that he built at Mount Hampton. After branding they were driven to Brookton and sold. This pastoral lease was cancelled in 1910 and the area absorbed into Mount Hampton Station of 1000.000 hectares, stretching south from Sandalwood Rocks and west almost to No 1 Rabbit Proof Fence built in 1906. The owner of this station was Jack Eddy. He ran only a few cattle and abandoned the station before the farming settlers arrived in 1928-29. The remains of the garden were visible and George Irving, while out riding his horse, found a crown of rhubarb to take back to his block. George Irving and Stuart Nicholson caught 'brumbies', said to have originated from the abandoned station. They used these horses, when tamed, to seed their first wheat crops in the mid 1920s. The position of the dwelling can still be found as can the stone lined soak. A Government well was built to assist farmers. The area has always been a popular picnic spot for farmers and mine settlers.
The following are some of the fanners who met for Boxing Day picnics at Mt Hampton Rock, or on alternate years, Dulyalbin Rock. In 1936 they may also have met to play or watch at the district cricket association games at Dulyalbin. Most had families.
J Symes
Joe Harvey
Bill Harvey
Joe Goodhill
Doug Burton
Les Sykes
Bill Warmington
E Beasly
E Daws
Mr Day
Jock Gill
Harry Sherar
George Rose
Mr Steel
MrPugh
Grundy Bros
E Bodle
THale
Jim Gethin
T Broadhurst
Mr Murphy
Mr Johnson
J Stacey
F Watson
Mr McKinnon
Charlie Felstead
Don Ross
Rube Bathurst
Dave Gibson
Jim Suitor
Ted Page
Mr McKenzie
Mr Dittmars
Jim Critchison
Hugh Rose
Jock Robb

Physical Description

Mount Hampton is a massive granite rock surrounded by natural bush. An earthen dam is under construction at the base of the rock. As this area has been declared a wildlife sanctuary, the construction is being carried out with sensitive environmental issues in mind. Gnamma holes and caves, important to the Aboriginal people, are known to be in the area.

History

Themes: Demographic Settlements & Community Efforts
Sub Themes: Rural dwellings/public utilities

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.