Hartley, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids HartleySouth Australia |
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Hartley entrance sign
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 Hartley
Location in South Australia
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| Established | 1856 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 5255 | ||||||||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Alexandrina Council | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Heysen | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Mayo | ||||||||||||||
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Hartley is a fascinating place in South Australia. It is known as a "ghost town". This means it was once a busy settlement, but now most people have left. It sits by the Bremer River. You can find it on the road between Strathalbyn and Callington.
What is Hartley?
Hartley is a small rural area. It is located in the beautiful state of South Australia. Today, it is mostly quiet. You will see old ruins and farmhouses there. It gives us a glimpse into the past.
Hartley's Early Days
Hartley started as a small farming community. This was way back in 1853. People came here to live and work. They built homes and businesses. The town grew steadily.
By 1856, they had a Methodist church. This was an important place for the community. It was where people gathered. More services arrived over time. A post office opened in 1869. This made it easier to send letters. A school started in 1919. Children could get an education right in town. There was even a creamery. This processed milk from local farms.
Why Did Hartley Become a Ghost Town?
Many small towns change over time. Hartley was no different. The post office closed in 1981. The school closed earlier, in 1970. As jobs and services moved to bigger towns, people followed. This is a common story for many small settlements. Today, Hartley is mostly ruins and a few farmhouses. It reminds us of a time when it was a busy place.
