Bethany, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BethanySouth Australia |
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Bethany as viewed from Mengler Hill
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 Bethany
Location in South Australia
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| Established | 1842 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 5352 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 283 m (928 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 2 km (1 mi) from Tanunda | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Barossa Council | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Barossa Valley | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Schubert | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Barker | ||||||||||||||
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Bethany (postcode 5352) is a small, historic village in South Australia. It is located about 2 kilometers southeast of Tanunda. This charming village is found in the famous Barossa Valley. Bethany holds a special place in history as the very first German settlement in this area.
Contents
Discovering Bethany: A Historic Village
Bethany was founded in 1842. It was settled by immigrants from Prussia, a historical German state. These settlers leased land from a man named George Fife Angas. He was an important figure in the early days of South Australia.
The Story Behind Bethany's Name
When it was first settled, Bethany had a different name. It was called Bethanien or sometimes Neu Schlesien. This translates to "New Silesia," after a region in Europe. However, during the First World War, many German place names in Australia were changed. This was done to remove German influences. So, Bethanien became Bethany.
Changes During Wartime
The war also affected the local school. The German-language school in Bethany was forced to close in 1917. The state government made this decision. At that time, about 60 students attended the school.
Who Settled Bethany?
Most of the first settlers arrived in 1841. They traveled on a ship called the Skjold. They came with their pastor, Gotthard Fritzsche. These brave people helped establish the village and its unique culture.
