Essendon, Victoria

Essendon is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Moonee Valley.

History

Essendon and the banks of the Maribyrnong River were originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri tribe of the Kulin aboriginal nation.

Related Topics:
Maribyrnong River - Wurundjeri - Kulin

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In 1803 Charles Grimes and James Fleming were the first known European explorers into the Maribyrnong area.

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In 1851 the gold rush opened up the Moonee Ponds District with miners travelling along Mount Alexander Road to Castlemaine.

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In 1860 Burke and Wills spent their first night in Essendon.

Related Topics:
Burke - Wills

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In 1862 169 residents sought the formation of the Borough of Essendon and Flemington.

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In the 1880's, the local council resisted industrial development in the form of cattle saleyards and brickworks, out of concern for pollution of the Maribyrnong River. Instead it embarked on a program to create, in its upper reaches, a playground for rowers, fisherman and swimmers.

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In 1890, a large mansion was built in the town, originally known as Earslbrae Hall it was designed by the eminent architect R A Lawson. Still standing it is today the school, Lowther Hall. Built at a cost of £35,000 it was the home of Collier McCracken, a member of a local brewing family.

Related Topics:
Mansion - Architect - R A Lawson - School

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