Survey markers! They might seem insignificant. But the Footsteps in Time. Lapstone Marker tells a grand story. It connects us to George William Evans’s journey. He was an early explorer. He was a surveyor in New South Wales.
The Footsteps in Time. Lapstone Marker commemorates Evans’s survey. It recalls his 1813-1814 expedition across the Blue Mountains. This marked a crucial moment in Australian history. It also celebrated Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988. Another marker stands in Springwood. It mirrors this tribute to exploration.
In November 1813, Governor Lachlan Macquarie tasked Evans with confirming the findings of Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth. They had explored the Blue Mountains. Evans ventured into the Wiradjuri nation. It was located in central-western New South Wales. He became the first European to document encounters with the Wiradjuri people.
Evans followed the route set by Blaxland. He reached Mount Blaxland on November 26, 1813. From there, Evans’s party discovered the Fish River area. They explored west near the Fish and Campbell Rivers junction. He noted two plains. They were the O’Connell Plains and the Macquarie Plains. By December 9, he arrived at the site of modern-day Bathurst.
The Footsteps in Time. Lapstone Marker marks where Evans took readings on January 7th, 1814. His coordinates were Latitude 33* 43′ 22″ E and Longitude 150* 35′ 52″ S. The monument lists Evans’s team. Richard Lewis and James Burns were free men. John Cooghan, John Grover, and John Tygh were convicts.
Evans noted the land was easier to travel through. A fire had consumed much of the thick brush. This allowed for accurate measurements. They traveled about five and three-quarter miles that day. The “Lagoon of good Water” was likely Glenbrook Lagoon. It is still a stop for travelers. They are returning from crossing the mountains.
Upon Evans’s return to Sydney, Governor Macquarie rewarded him. He received 100 pounds and 1,000 acres near Richmond in Van Dieman’s Land. Evans guided Macquarie on Cox’s road across the Mountains. He assisted Surveyor General John Oxley in further explorations. These explorations went along the Lachlan and Macquarie Rivers.
Today, the Footsteps in Time. Lapstone Marker stands as a testament. It honors Evans’s contributions. It links us to the spirit of exploration. It reminds us of the challenges. It celebrates the achievements of those who shaped Australia.