Mount Barker Local History
The History of Mount Barker, South Australia
Mount Barker is a town located in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia, approximately 33 km from the city of Adelaide. The town was first settled in the early 1830s and has a rich history that reflects the growth and development of South Australia as a whole.
The Kaurna People
The Mt Barker area was occupied by the Kaurna people for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The Kaurna people were a hunter-gatherer society with a strong spiritual connection to the land. The name 'Mt Barker' comes from an English sailor named Captain Collett Barker who explored the area in 1831 and named the mountain after himself. However, the Kaurna people called the mountain 'Piki Wara', which means 'bald head'.
The Arrival of European Settlers
The first European settlers arrived in the Mt Barker area in 1839. The town was initially established as an agricultural centre and quickly became an important hub for farming and commerce. Over the next few decades, Mt Barker grew rapidly as more settlers arrived and the town expanded. In 1883, the railway line was extended to Mt Barker, making it easier for farmers to transport their goods to market.
The Growth of Mt Barker
The early 20th century saw the growth and development of Mt Barker continue, despite the challenges presented by World War I and the Great Depression. The town became a thriving commercial centre and the local economy diversified with the establishment of industries such as timber milling and brick making. Mt Barker's population continued to grow, and by the 1950s, the town had become one of the largest regional centres in South Australia outside of Adelaide.
Modern Day Mt Barker
Today, Mt Barker is a thriving town with a population of over 16,000 people. While the town has grown and changed over time, it still retains much of its historic charm. The main street is lined with beautiful heritage buildings, and the railway station has been restored and transformed into a popular tourist attraction. Mt Barker is also known as a cultural hub, with a thriving arts scene and a number of festivals and events throughout the year.
"Mt Barker is a town with a rich history and a bright future. Its thriving economy, beautiful surroundings, and strong sense of community make it a wonderful place to live, work, and visit."