Puttapa facts for kids
Puttapa, often called Puttapa Station, is a large area of land in South Australia used for farming. It operates as a sheep station, which means it's a big farm where many sheep are raised.
This station is found about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of a small town called Beltana. It's located in the remote, dry area known as the outback of South Australia.
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The Story of Puttapa Station
The land that Puttapa Station now covers was once part of a much bigger farm. This huge farm was first started in 1854 by a person named John Haimes. Over time, this large farm became known as Beltana Station.
The specific area that is now Puttapa was originally just a section of Beltana Station, called the "Puttapa paddock." In 1911, this paddock was sold to Steven Lock. That's when it officially became its own separate farm, Puttapa Station.
In April 2013, the government of South Australia officially named the area where Puttapa Station is located as a "locality." This means it's now a recognized place on maps and for official records, just like a town or suburb.
Important Historical Places at Puttapa
Puttapa Station is home to some very important historical sites. These places are "heritage-listed," which means they are protected because they have special historical or scientific value.
Copper King Copper and Ochre Mine
One of these sites is the Copper King Copper and Ochre Mine. This was an old mine where people dug for copper, a valuable metal, and ochre. Ochre is a natural earth pigment, often used by Aboriginal people for painting and ceremonies.
Ajax Mine Fossil Reef
Another special place is the Ajax Mine Fossil Reef. This site is important for both its fossils and its geology. A fossil reef is a place where ancient sea creatures lived and died, and their remains turned into fossils over millions of years. Scientists can learn a lot about Earth's past by studying the fossils and rocks found here.
