Gabanintha, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GabaninthaWestern Australia |
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 Gabanintha
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1898 |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Meekatharra |
| State electorate(s) | North West |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Gabanintha is a fascinating ghost town located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Meekatharra, along the road that leads to Sandstone. This old town is nestled within the historic Murchison goldfields, an area famous for its gold mining history.
Contents
Discovering Gabanintha's Past
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community but is now mostly empty. People usually leave these towns because the main reason they were there, like a mine or a factory, stopped working. Gabanintha became a ghost town after its gold mining days ended.
The Name and Early Days
The name Gabanintha comes from the Aboriginal language, but its exact meaning is not known today. Maps from as early as 1894 already showed the name. People started taking out leases to mine for gold in the areas around Gabanintha between 1895 and 1910.
Gold Rush Excitement
In 1895, a mining area called The Emerald Isle Star of the East was left empty. A group of people then took it over and renamed it Gabanintha. While they were working on the old mine, they found a large section of rock, about 3 feet thick, that was full of gold! This discovery brought a lot of excitement to the area.
Building a Town
As more miners arrived, the town began to grow. In 1896, a shopkeeper named William Small, who was from Nannine, decided to build a hotel in Gabanintha. He then applied for a license to run it.
The miners in the area wanted a proper town, so in 1897, they asked the state government to officially survey the townsite. The government agreed, and land was set aside the next year. Gabanintha was officially declared a town in 1898.
Life in Gabanintha
In 1898, Gabanintha had a small population of 46 people. Most of them were men (44 males), likely miners, with only two women living there at the time.
More land plots were surveyed in 1905, allowing for further development. Gold mining continued around the town for many years, lasting until 1944. After the gold ran out, people gradually moved away, and Gabanintha became the quiet ghost town it is today.
Other Ghost Towns Nearby
Gabanintha is just one of many ghost towns you can find in this part of Western Australia. Other interesting ghost towns in the area include Peak Hill, Horseshoe, and Garden Gully. Each of these places has its own unique story from the gold rush era.
