Mount Cuthbert, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount CuthbertQueensland |
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 Mount Cuthbert
Location in Queensland
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| Established | 1917 |
| Postcode(s) | 4824 |
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Cloncurry |
| State electorate(s) | Traeger |
| Federal Division(s) | Kennedy |
Mount Cuthbert was once a busy copper mining town in Queensland, Australia. Today, it is known as a ghost town, meaning it is mostly deserted. It is located in an area called Three Rivers, within the Shire of Cloncurry.
Contents
The Story of Mount Cuthbert
Mount Cuthbert was one of many mining towns that popped up in north-west Queensland. Investors from Melbourne created these towns. They hoped to make a lot of money from the high price of copper in the early 1900s. Other towns like Duchess and Selwyn were also built around this time.
A Town Takes Shape
By 1917, Mount Cuthbert was a working town. A railway line reached the town, helping to transport goods and people. Copper smelters, which are factories that melt copper ore, were also up and running. By 1918, the town was quite busy. About 750 people lived and worked there.
School Days in Mount Cuthbert
A school was important for the children living in the town. The Mount Cuthbert State School opened its doors in 1917. However, the school did not stay open for very long. It closed just seven years later, in 1924.
The Post Office Connects the Town
To help the town communicate with the outside world, a post office was opened. The Mount Cuthbert Post Office started operating by June 1910. Before that, a smaller "receiving office" had been open since 1908. The post office was a key part of the town's daily life.
The Town Becomes a Ghost Town
The good times for Mount Cuthbert did not last forever. In 1920, the world price of copper dropped a lot. This had a big impact on the town's economy. Many people started to leave. By 1921, only 267 people remained in Mount Cuthbert. The post office closed in 1927. By that same year, the settlement had become a ghost town. The railway line, which once brought so much life to the town, was officially closed in 1949.
Protecting History
The old township of Mount Cuthbert and its smelter are very important. They are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means they are protected because they are a significant part of Queensland's history.
