Appila, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Appila South Australia
Aerial view of Appila, 2015
Appila Location in South Australia
Established	1874
Postcode(s)	5480
Location	239 km (149 mi) N of Adelaide 26 km (16 mi) E of Port Pirie
LGA(s)	Mount Remarkable
State electorate(s)	Stuart
Federal Division(s)	Grey
Localities around Appila: Murray Town Booleroo Centre Tarcowie Wirrabara Appila Yongala Stone Hut, Laura Caltowie Jamestown

Appila is a small place in the Mid North region of South Australia. It is located east of the lower Flinders Ranges. This area covers most of the eastern part of the Hundred of Appila. It also includes a strip on the western side of the nearby Hundred of Tarcowie. Appila was once known by the name Yarrowie.

History of Appila

How Appila Was Settled

The town was first called Yarrowie. This name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "hunting ground." It was started in 1872. This happened after a law called the Strangways Land Act was made in 1869. This law helped people settle closer together on the land.

Growth of the Early Town

The town of Yarrowie grew very quickly. Many settlers moved to the area. By the 1880s, it was a busy place. It had two hotels where people could stay. There were also four blacksmiths who worked with metal. Three carpenters built and fixed things. The town had different schools, including Protestant, Catholic, and government schools. A post office and telegraph station helped people communicate. There were also other stores for daily needs.

Why the Name Changed

In 1877, the town's name was changed. It became Appila-Yarrowie first, and then just Appila. This change was made to avoid confusion. There were other towns nearby with similar-sounding names. These included Yarcowie, Tarcowie, Terowie, Caltowie, and Willowie.

Schools in Appila

Appila had several schools. One of them was a Lutheran school. In 1918, this school was closed by the state government. At that time, 33 students were attending the school.