Historical information

This image depicts a group of local counsellors from the Shire of Beechworth (est. mid to late 1900s). The identities of those within the photo remain unknown.
The table and chairs featured in the image were produced in the late 19th century and have been in continual use for more than 100 years. The councellors would likely have convened in the Beechworth Town Hall.

A History of Beechworth: Gold was discovered in the May Day Hills district in 1852. A canvas and timber settlement soon developed as prospectors rushed to the area. Over four million ounces of gold was recovered in the first 14 years. Between 1852 and 1857, Beechworth was a gold-producing region and centre of government, boasting many industries and a multicultural population. Beechworth was proclaimed a borough on the 11th of September 1863, a formalisation of the municipal incorporation of the town seven years before.

Significance

This image is associated with the history of Beechworth; it reveals the identities of local counsellors, persons whose contribution to the Beechworth Shire could otherwise be lost to time.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photograph, unmounted.