Mount Ida, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount IdaWestern Australia |
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 Mount Ida
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1898 |
| Postcode(s) | 6436 |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Menzies |
| State electorate(s) | Kalgoorlie |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Mount Ida is an abandoned town, also known as a ghost town, located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. It can be found between the towns of Mount Magnet and Leonora. A ghost town is a place where most people have moved away, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet atmosphere.
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Mount Ida: A Gold Rush Town
Mount Ida became a town because of a big discovery: gold! This happened in the late 1800s, a time when many people were searching for gold in Western Australia.
How Mount Ida Got Its Name
The town of Mount Ida is named after a natural landmark, a hill located about 21 kilometers (around 13 miles) south of the town site. This hill was named by a famous explorer, John Forrest, in 1869. He was on an expedition exploring the area when he discovered it. It is believed that he named the hill after a lady friend of his.
The Gold Rush Begins
In 1895, gold was found in the Mount Ida area. This exciting discovery quickly led to a "gold rush." A gold rush is when many people rush to a specific place, hoping to find gold and become rich. By 1896, just one year after gold was found, the town of Mount Ida had grown to a population of 200 people.
Becoming an Official Town
Because so many people had moved to Mount Ida, the local government official, called a "warden," asked for the area to be made into an official town. This request was made in 1896. The town was officially recognized and marked on maps in 1898. This process is called "gazetting" a town.
Life in Early Mount Ida
As the town grew, more buildings and services were needed. In 1908, the Mount Ida hotel was built, providing a place for people to stay and gather. By 1910, the residents formed a "progress committee." This committee was a group of people who worked together to represent the town's interests and help it grow and improve.
