Chinese Crossing, Yerong Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese CrossingNew South Wales |
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![]() Chinese Crossing, near Yerong Creek, looking south.
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Postcode(s) | 2642 |
Location |
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LGA(s) | Lockhart Shire |
County | Mitchell |
Parish | Vincent |
State electorate(s) | Wagga Wagga |
Federal Division(s) | Farrer |
Chinese Crossing is a special historical place located on Noskes Lane, near a town called Yerong Creek in New South Wales, Australia. It's a unique stone dam and a pathway (called a causeway) that was built a long time ago in the 1880s. What makes it extra special is that it was built by Chinese migrants who came to Australia.
This important site was officially recognized and protected in September 1995 by the Lockhart Shire Council. This means it's a heritage-listed place, valued for its history and the story it tells.
What is Chinese Crossing?
Chinese Crossing is a structure made of stones that serves two main purposes. First, it's a dam, which helps to hold back water, probably from a creek. Second, it's a causeway, which is like a raised road or path that allows people to cross over wet or marshy ground, or in this case, a creek.
This clever design allowed people and perhaps even wagons to cross the creek easily, even when the water level was high. It shows how people in the past used their skills to solve everyday problems.
Who Built This Amazing Structure?
The Chinese Crossing was built by Chinese migrants. In the 1800s, many people from China came to Australia. They often came looking for gold or to work on big projects like building railways and roads. These migrants were known for their hard work and their skills in building and engineering.
Building a stone dam and causeway like Chinese Crossing would have been very difficult work. It required a lot of effort, skill, and teamwork to gather the stones and put them together so strongly that they would last for over a hundred years. This structure is a lasting reminder of the important contributions Chinese migrants made to Australia's early development.
Why is Chinese Crossing Important Today?
Chinese Crossing is important for several reasons. Firstly, it's a piece of history that you can still see and touch. It tells us about the way people lived and traveled in the 1880s. It also shows us the clever building techniques used back then.
Secondly, because it is "heritage listed," it means that the local council has decided it's a very important part of the area's history. Protecting it ensures that future generations can also learn from it. It helps us remember the diverse groups of people who helped build Australia and the challenges they faced. It's a quiet but powerful reminder of the past.