Lot 5568: Beechworth Goldfield, Victoria, Australia.

Beechworth Goldfield. Gold was found here in 1852 and was one of the richest goldfields in Australia producing 4,121,918 ounces of gold in the first 10 years. Originally used for grazing by the settler David Reid, the area was known as Mayday Hills until 1853, when it was renamed Beechworth. In its golden heyday from 1852Ð1857, this was a fabulous gold region and centre of government. And so began a rush into this remote region. During the first election campaign in 1855, one candidate, Daniel Cameron, rode a horse shod with solid gold horseshoes. The extravagance of this event is still commemorated as the logo for Beechworth is a golden horseshoe. The Post Office opened on 1 May 1853 as Spring Creek and was renamed Beechworth on 1 January 1854. During its boom times, Beechworth town boasted a range of industries including, a tannery, jewellers, boot makers, a brewery, blacksmiths, livestock sale yards. It had schools, a convent, hotels, a prison with imposing stone walls, a hospital, a mental hospital, court house, police barracks, stage coach companies and a powder magazine. At its peak, Beechworth town had over 3,100 residents.; but its power, wealth and influence were short lived.

9.25 x 11.25 in. 23.49 x 28.57 cm

Albumen

1870

Very good contrast and tonality