How about a story of perseverance etched in stone? We’re standing before the Gold Memorial Cairn. This cairn commemorates the discovery of gold. It honors the pioneers of this land.
The Gold Memorial Cairn marks a significant moment in Victoria’s history. It reminds us of the gold discovery between 1851 and 1853. This cairn is a tribute to the courageous pioneers who shaped this region.
Mr. H. A. Boardman spearheaded the project. He aimed to create a lasting memorial. The Steiglitz Gold Centenary Committee and local volunteers joined forces. Together they built this cairn. Their combined effort stands before us today.
Notice the three stones at the base. These stones have a story of their own. They originated from the Moranghurk and Durdidwarrah homesteads. These homesteads once encompassed the entire local area. It was here that gold was first discovered.
Gold rushes didn’t happen until late 1855. Hooley and Davis discovered a rich reef at Steiglitz. The gold from this reef was incredibly pure. When assayed in Geelong it yielded 72 ounces per ton. This discovery triggered a rush to Steiglitz. Soon, 200 miners flocked to the area.
Over the next four years, more than forty reefs were found. New Chum, Boxing and Portuguese were important finds. Yankee Smith, Sailors and Ironbark were profitable too. Hanover, Victoria and Gibraltar added to the boom. Tam-O-Shanter and New Years completed the list.
Steiglitz became the mining division’s most important quartz mining center. It remained relatively small. But it was significant compared to other Victorian fields.
Steiglitz was once rich in gold bearing ore. It had the richest yield per ton in Victoria. Now it’s a quiet spot in the hills.
Records show Fawkner’s party helped Baron Von Steiglitz. They assisted him to settle at Durdidwarrah. William Sharpe settled at Moranghurk. Steiglitz sits between these two stations.
Small quantities of gold were found in 1851. The major find sparked the rush in 1855. The township thrived for 20 years. It was almost deserted until the 1890s. Mining experienced a revival then. But this century has not produced much gold.
The Gold Memorial Cairn was unveiled on December 15, 1951. Former residents and interested people attended the ceremony. This cairn stands as a reminder. It honors the past and the dreams of those who sought fortune.
So take a moment to appreciate this monument. The Gold Memorial Cairn. It’s more than just stones. It’s a symbol of hope, hard work and the enduring spirit of the pioneers.