NSWPlanned settlement
Armidale
An administrative centre that became a city of education.
1839Crown Lands commissioner appointed
WHAT STARTED IT
Armidale’s colonial growth began with the need to administer New England’s expanding grazing district. A Crown Lands commissioner and border police were stationed in the area to enforce regulations and collect pastoral licence fees.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
A formal town plan followed in the 1840s. Armidale became a centre for courts, churches and regional trade, and was incorporated as a municipality in 1863. Its later educational institutions gave the town a role extending well beyond the surrounding farms.
TURNING POINTS
1839George James Macdonald is appointed commissioner for New England.
1863Armidale becomes a municipality.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A regional city strongly associated with schools, the University of New England, arts and services for the Northern Tablelands.