Dundas, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DundasWestern Australia |
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 Dundas
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1895 |
| Postcode(s) | 6443 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Dundas |
| State electorate(s) | Eyre |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Dundas is the name of an old, abandoned town in a part of Western Australia called the Goldfields-Esperance Region. It's often called a "ghost town" because no one lives there anymore. This town is located about 22 kilometers (14 miles) south of Norseman.
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Dundas: A Gold Rush Ghost Town
Dundas is a fascinating example of a "ghost town." These are places that were once busy and full of people. But then, for different reasons, everyone left. Dundas became a ghost town after the gold rush ended in its area.
Where is Dundas?
Dundas is located in the Goldfields-Esperance Region of Western Australia. This region is known for its history of gold mining. The town site is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) south of a larger town called Norseman. It's quite a remote area, far from big cities.
How Dundas Got Its Name
The town of Dundas was officially established on May 22, 1895. It was named after the nearby Dundas Hills. These hills received their name way back in 1848. They were named by a British naval officer. He honored Captain James Whitley Deans Dundas. Captain Dundas was in charge of a Royal Navy ship called HMS Tagus.
The Gold Rush Story
Dundas became important because gold was found there in 1894. This discovery sparked a "gold rush." People from all over came hoping to find their fortune. The town quickly grew as miners and their families arrived. In 1898, Dundas had a population of 99 people. There were 71 men and 28 women living there.
Why Dundas Became a Ghost Town
Even though gold was found in Dundas, even bigger gold discoveries happened nearby. These new finds were made north of Dundas. They led to the creation of a new town called Norseman. The gold found in Norseman was much richer. Because of this, Norseman grew very quickly. It soon became much larger and more important than Dundas. As Norseman thrived, people started leaving Dundas. They moved to the new, more promising goldfields. Eventually, Dundas was completely abandoned, becoming the ghost town we know today.
