Here’s a tale of how Underwood got its name. It’s a story rooted in the endeavors of an early settler. Let’s dive into the history of Underwood. Underwood, a suburb within Logan City, owes its identity to William Underwood. He was an early landholder in the Eight Mile Plains area. This was all the way back in 1865.
William Underwood wasn’t just a landholder. He was also an entrepreneur. He established the Commercial Hotel. The Commercial Hotel was located north of the Beenleigh Road intersection. It became a local landmark. The Commercial Hotel operated from the early 1870s. It continued until a fire razed it in 1895.
But William Underwood’s story doesn’t end there. In the 1880s he ventured into managing the Mount Gravatt Hotel. His sons also left their mark. During the late 1890s William Junior and Walter became horse dealers in Eight Mile Plains. Arthur, another son, became a storekeeper and blacksmith in Mount Gravatt. Walter Underwood remained in the area. He lived on the corner of Underwood and Logan Roads until the late 1930s. He was involved in farming and timber.
The suburb of Underwood was officially gazetted in 1975. At that time Underwood straddled the boundaries of Brisbane City and Albert Shire. In 1978 Logan City was created. Underwood became part of it. Today Underwood is defined by Millers Road, Underwood Road, the South East Freeway, Logan Road and Compton Road. The western part saw development. A large mail centre and a Big W shopping centre were built. The Big W shopping centre was built in the 1970s.
Underwood boasts several facilities today. There is Homemakers shopping on the Pacific Motorway. The Logan Aquatic Centre provides recreational opportunities. The Underwood shopping centre sits on Compton Road. This marks the suburb’s southern boundary. There are also residential estates.
In 2011 the population was 5328. The 2016 census recorded 6341 residents. The 2021 census counted 6809 people. Underwood has grown steadily. It reflects the dynamism of Logan City.
Underwood has a diverse community. In 2021, 50.7% of residents were born in Australia. Other top countries of birth include India, China, Korea and New Zealand. English is spoken at home by 50% of people. Other common languages include Mandarin, Punjabi, Korean and Cantonese.
While Underwood itself has no schools, several are nearby. Eight Mile Plains State School, Springwood Road State School and Kuraby State School are close. For secondary education Rochedale State High School, Springwood State High School and Runcorn State High School are options. The Logan North branch Library opened in 2008. You can find it on the corner of Sports Drive and Springwood Road.
Underwood is accessible. You can reach it by road via the Pacific Motorway. Public transport is available at the Springwood Bus Station. Kuraby Railway Station and Trinder Park Railway Station are nearby train stations. Underwood stands as a testament. It is a testament to the vision of early settlers like William Underwood.