Duketon, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DuketonWestern Australia |
|
|---|---|
 Duketon
Location in Western Australia
|
|
| Postcode(s) | 6440 |
| Elevation | 538 m (1,765 ft) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Laverton |
| State electorate(s) | Kalgoorlie |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Duketon is a fascinating abandoned town in Western Australia. It is located in the Goldfields-Esperance region, north of Leonora. This town became very busy in the early 1900s. This happened because gold was discovered nearby.
Discovering Gold in Duketon
The discovery of gold brought many people to Duketon. Miners and prospectors hoped to find their fortune. One of the biggest mines was called The Golden Spinifex. This mine built a special machine called a five-head stamp mill between 1902 and 1903. A stamp mill crushes rocks to get the gold out.
Building a State Battery
Local miners needed more help to process their gold. So, 58 leaseholders, prospectors, and miners signed a petition. A petition is a formal request. They asked the government to build a state-owned stamp mill, also called a battery. Their local MLA (a type of politician) presented this request to the minister for mines.
The government agreed to help. A state battery was built in 1904. It started working near the town. This made it easier for miners to process their gold.
Life in Duketon's Boomtown
By 1905, Duketon was a busy place. The town had important services for its residents. These included a hotel where people could stay. There was also a bakery for fresh bread. A bank branch helped people manage their money. Many other stores also opened up. This showed how much the town grew because of the gold rush.
