Solomontown, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Solomontown Port Pirie, South Australia
Solomontown Location in South Australia
Postcode(s)	5540
Elevation	6 m (20 ft)
LGA(s)	Port Pirie Regional Council
State electorate(s)	Frome
Federal Division(s)	Grey
Suburbs around Solomontown: Germein Bay Germein Bay Germein Bay Port Pirie Solomontown Coonamia Port Pirie Port Pirie South Coonamia

Solomontown is a suburb located in Port Pirie, South Australia. It used to be a separate town many years ago. The area got its name from Emanuel Solomon, who owned the land where Solomontown grew.

Getting Around Solomontown

Major roads like the Spencer Highway and Warnertown Road pass through Solomontown. Warnertown Road connects Port Pirie to the Augusta Highway and Adelaide. A railway line also runs along the southern edge of Solomontown. This line goes to the Port Pirie smelters, which are large industrial factories.

Solomontown's Railway History

Solomontown once had its own railway station. It was located in the southwest part of the town. In 1911, a local train service connected Solomontown to Port Pirie.

Later, in 1937, a new station called Port Pirie Junction was built. This new station was very important. It was a "break-of-gauge" junction. This means it was where two different railway track sizes met. The South Australian Railways used a wider track (broad gauge) from the south. The Commonwealth Railways used a standard track size (standard gauge) from the north. Both names, Port Pirie Junction and Solomontown, were on the station sign. This station was part of the Port Pirie-Cockburn railway line. The station closed in 1967 and was later taken down.

Community Life in Solomontown

Solomontown has its own primary school, called Solomontown Primary School. There is also a Solomontown Kindergarten for younger children. The community is also known for its sports teams. The Solomontown Cats play both football and netball.

Solomontown's Role in World War II

During World War II, Solomontown played a small but important role. It was home to RAAF No.11 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD). This fuel depot was built in 1942. It was used to store and supply fuel for aircraft. Both the RAAF and the US Army Air Forces used these depots. This specific depot closed on June 14, 1944. Across Australia, 31 such fuel depots were built during the war.