Historical information

The discovery of gold in the 1850s started a series of rushes that transformed the Australian colonies.
The first discoveries of payable gold were at Ophir in New South Wales and then at Ballarat and Bendigo Creek in Victoria. In 1851 gold-seekers from around the world began pouring into the colonies, changing the course of Australian history. The gold rushes greatly expanded Australia’s population, boosted its economy, and led to the emergence of a new national identity.
Edward Hammond Hargraves found himself 'surrounded by gold' near Bathurst in 1851. This discovery sparked off what was to become the most exciting, and perhaps chaotic, period in Australian History. Gathered in the book are over 120 eye-witness accounts of those turbulent years between 1851 and 1890 - the 'finds', terrible privations in the diggers' camps, police brutality, riots, and courage on the gold fields. This book also touches on the 'Eureka Stockade', bushrangers, identities such as Lola Montez, and 'Lasseter's Reef'.

Physical description

"History of The Australian Gold Rushes" published by Lloyd O'Neil Pty. Edited by Nancy Keesing. Introduction by Nancy Keesing. Published in 1971. Hard cover book which is colored maroon. Publisher and title written in gold lettering on spine. Dust jacket has image of early town with buildings and people in foreground - front and back cover. Title and editor's name in white text. Printed in Hong Kong. 412 pp. Contains both text and black and white images. Has index.