VICFarming
Hamilton
Wool country’s administrative centre.
1851Town site gazetted
WHAT STARTED IT
Sheep runs spread through the Western District, creating demand for administration and services at the Grange. A magistrate and courthouse were established in 1841; the settlement was gazetted as Hamilton ten years later.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Rail linked Hamilton with Melbourne in 1877 and Portland in 1878. Wool, livestock handling and agricultural businesses supported the town. It also became the birthplace of Reg Ansett’s transport business, first on roads and then in the air.
TURNING POINTS
1841A magistrate and courthouse are established.
1851Hamilton is gazetted.
1936Ansett begins an air service to Melbourne.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A regional centre for surrounding grazing country, education and services. Its galleries, gardens and museums add to the legacy of the wool trade.