Historical information

This photograph is of old mine workings on the site of the Spring Creek diggings.

Spring Creek is a contact zone for granite pluton and siltstones, shales and standstones; which has, over time, encouraged natural springs to form. Enriched with gold washed out of the surrounding granite, these alluvial deposits achieved fame from 1852 onwards as the Spring Creek Diggings sprang to life
(not realised as geographically important until 1871). In Spring Creek that runs behind the main street of Beechworth, near the foot of Newtown Hill a pint pot of gold was discovered on one of these expeditions in 1852 by prospectors Baker and Strickland and the gold rush town of Spring Creek was formed.

Australian gold rushes have always created a sense of independence and freedom; as do-it-yourself, off-grid, low-tech adventures. People of all backgrounds were drawn to the gold fields by the prospect of riches and adventure, but they also learned self-sufficiency and found freedom of expression. Industry boomed, new
practices were adopted and social norms were upended.

Significance

This image is of historical significance as it informs on the history of Australian gold mining. It represents the innovation that accompanied the mining industry and the importance of gold mining in town building and regional histories.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photograph on unmounted board.