Few know that Kingston’s story begins well before it became a suburb. It starts with James Trihey. Trihey selected land near the Kingston Railway Station in 1869.
Kingston got its name from Charles and Harriet Kingston. They moved here around 1872. Before that, they lived in Tygum. Charles Kingston worked at Henry Jordan’s sugar mill. Kingston House became a local social centre. The Kingston family made a lasting impact. Several family members are buried in the pioneer cemetery.
In 1890, the name Kingston was official. Charles Kingston operated a metal and gravel quarry. It was located south of his original land. Mr. Elridge ran the first store in 1904. John and Mabel Cordingley took over in 1906. John Cordingley also had a blacksmith forge.
Kingston’s soil was fertile. Scrubby Creek and Slacks Creeks gave plenty of water. This helped dairying thrive. In 1907, the South Queensland Cooperative Dairy Company opened a factory in Kingston. It chose Kingston for its water and railway access. By the 1930s, Kingston was booming. The factory got cream from as far as Toowoomba. It was Queensland’s largest butter producer. A new factory was built in 1932.
But dairying changed. In 1958, Peters took over the factory. It became a cheese factory. Peters closed the factory in 1983. The council then acquired it. It became an arts and crafts center.
Kingston also faced challenges. Gold was found at Mount Taylor in 1885. Mining started in 1932. It stopped in 1954. The area became a waste dump. In the 1980s, toxic sludge oozed from the ground. The government had to rehabilitate the area. Today, it is Kingston Park.
Kingston has grown over the years. In 1912, Kingston State School opened. More schools followed. Kingston State High School opened in 1977. It was later renamed Kingston College. Kingston is now a vibrant community. It has schools, parks, and a rich history.
Today, Kingston blends old and new. Mayes Cottage stands as a reminder of early settlement. The Kingston Butter Factory is now a cultural precinct. It includes a theatre and museum. Kingston’s story is one of growth. It is about industry and community spirit. It is about overcoming challenges. It is a unique chapter in Logan’s history.