Coolgardie

Located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia is the historic town of Coolgardie. The region was originally occupied by the Ngadju people, who were semi-nomadic and lived off the land through hunting and gathering. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1864, when Surveyor-General John Forrest came through the region and discovered gold. This discovery led to a rush of prospectors and the establishment of mining communities throughout the area.

In 1892, a young prospector named Arthur Bayley stumbled upon a rich seam of gold in the area now known as the "Golden Mile." This discovery led to the founding of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which became one of the largest gold mining towns in the world. The discovery also brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the region, who set up tents and makeshift shanties around the newly discovered mines.

Coolgardie was founded in 1892 as a supply town for the nearby goldfields. The town quickly grew, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had a population of over 15,000 people. The town also had a thriving business district, with shops, hotels, and banks serving the needs of the local population.

One of the most iconic buildings in Coolgardie is the Palace Hotel, which was built in 1897. The hotel was a popular meeting place for the local miners and prospectors, and it played host to many famous people throughout its history. In 1899, the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George V and Queen Mary) stayed at the Palace Hotel during their Royal Tour of Australia.

Despite its early success, Coolgardie experienced a decline in the early 20th century due to changes in the gold mining industry. Many of the mines began to close, and the population of the town dwindled. Today, Coolgardie is a small, but historic, town that serves as a reminder of the region's rich mining history.

Visitors to Coolgardie can explore the town's many historic buildings, including the Old Court House and Gaol, the Imperial Hotel, and the Exchange Hotel. The town also has a museum that showcases the area's mining history and the daily life of the early settlers.

The Coolgardie Cemetery is also a notable attraction, as it is the final resting place of many of the early settlers and miners who came to the region in search of gold. The cemetery contains the graves of several historical figures, including Aboriginal tracker Tommy Windich, who accompanied John Forrest on his expeditions, and Captain Frederick Bell, who was known for his pioneering work in the gold mining industry.

In conclusion, the history of Coolgardie is deeply intertwined with the history of gold mining in Western Australia. The town played a crucial role in the development of the region, and its many historic buildings and attractions provide a glimpse into the daily life of the early settlers and miners.