NSWMining
Silverton
The silver town that lost out to its neighbour.
1880Town established
WHAT STARTED IT
Silver and lead discoveries drew prospectors to the district. A relatively flat site and a water supply made Silverton a useful centre for the scattered mining camps.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Broken Hill’s richer deposits soon pulled people and business away. Buildings were moved to the growing neighbouring town, leaving Silverton much smaller than its early ambitions.
TURNING POINTS
1880Silverton is established.
1880sBroken Hill grows as the regional mining centre.
2007By this year Silverton’s desert streets and surviving buildings had appeared in more than 140 films and commercials.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A tiny settlement with a second life in art, heritage tourism and film locations. Its open landscape is as recognisable as its remaining buildings.