NSWFarming
Orange
A farming service town before the gold rush.
1846Village proclaimed
WHAT STARTED IT
Orange grew as a focus for the farms and grazing properties around Blackmans Swamp. Its village was proclaimed before the gold discoveries at nearby Ophir, so gold accelerated an existing settlement rather than creating it from scratch.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The 1851 discoveries brought miners, trade and transport through the district. The railway reached Orange in 1877, connecting its agricultural hinterland to wider markets. Orchards and, later, vineyards added to the local farming economy.
TURNING POINTS
1846Orange is proclaimed a village.
1851Payable gold is discovered at nearby Ophir.
1877The railway reaches Orange.
1998Cadia Hill Gold Mine officially opened on 23 October, adding a major gold-and-copper operation to the regional economy.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A substantial regional city with health and government services, food and wine tourism, orchards and nearby mining. The connection between the town and its surrounding country remains central.