Tambo Court House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tambo Court House |
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Tambo Court House, 2013
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| Location | 9 Arthur Street, Tambo, Blackall-Tambo Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1887 - 1897 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Tambo Court House (former), Tambo Shire Council Library | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600834 |
| Significant period | 1880s-18890s (historical) 1887-1983 (social) |
| Significant components | court house, office/s |
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The Tambo Court House is a special building in Tambo, Australia. It used to be a courthouse, where legal cases were heard. Today, it is a library for the community.
This historic building is located at 9 Arthur Street. It was built between 1887 and 1897. It is also known as the Tambo Shire Council Library. The building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it is protected because of its important history.
Contents
History of the Tambo Court House
The Tambo Court House is a timber building. It was finished in 1888. It served as a courthouse for a very long time, until 1983. Since 1991, it has been home to the Tambo Shire Council Library.
Early Exploration and Settlement
Explorers first came to the Tambo area in the mid-1800s. Thomas Mitchell explored here in 1846. Later, Augustus Charles Gregory and others visited. By 1861, the first large sheep and cattle farms, called pastoral runs, were set up. Most of the land was being used for farming by 1864.
Tambo was the first town along the Barcoo River. It started with an inn, the Barcoo Club hotel, in 1864. The area was first called "Carrangarra."
Growth of Tambo Town
The town grew quickly. In 1864, Dr. William Boyd became the Police Magistrate. This person was in charge of local law and order. A Clerk of Petty Sessions, who helped with court records, arrived in 1866. By 1867, Tambo also had a Police Sergeant.
In 1868, the town was officially surveyed and renamed Tambo. The first land was sold in 1869. However, 50 people and 34 buildings were already there. A mail service started in 1866. In 1874, a telegraph line opened, connecting Tambo to Springsure. This made Tambo a key communication hub for western Queensland. More telegraph lines soon linked Tambo to Charleville and Blackall.
Building the New Courthouse
The 1870s saw many new buildings in Tambo. A hospital, bank, post office, and school were built. The first courthouse from 1874 became too small. So, plans for a new building were announced in 1886.
F. W. Bates won the contract to build it in 1887. The new court house was built using a standard design. It had a large courtroom with verandahs on three sides. Behind it were several offices. This design was similar to other courthouses in places like Charleville.
In February 1888, the people of Tambo asked for special furniture. They wanted a removable judge's bench and stands for the jury and witnesses. This way, the courtroom could also be used for dances and other public events. There was no other large public building in town. The new courthouse was ready by September 1888.
Changes Over Time
By 1897, the Lands Office, which shared the building, needed more space. An extra office was added to the back of the courthouse. This provided more room for their work. Other changes over the years were mostly for maintenance.
In 1983, the Tambo Shire Council took over the building. This happened after a new police station and courthouse were built. In August 1991, the Tambo Shire Council Library moved into the old courthouse. The building was updated to work as a library. The offices at the back were also renovated in 1992.
What the Tambo Court House Looks Like
The former Tambo Court House is a single-storey building made of timber. It has a hipped roof covered with corrugated iron. There are also gables at the front and over the main entrance.
The building has a T-shape. The large, rectangular courtroom is at the front. Behind it are four offices, one of which is now a toilet. A verandah wraps around three sides of the courtroom. It has an awning supported by timber posts. A fancy entrance porch marks the main door. Low steps lead up to it. A ramp has also been added for easier access.
The inside of the building has been changed to work as a library. However, some original pieces of furniture are still there. These include the Magistrate's Bench and the Witness Box.
Why the Tambo Court House is Important
The former Tambo Court House was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is recognized as an important historical place. Here's why:
- It shows how Queensland's history developed.
The courthouse shows how important Tambo was in the past. It was a main communication and administrative center in western Queensland.
- It is a good example of a regional courthouse.
This building is a great example of a small courthouse from its time. It has a large courtroom and offices in a T-shape. This was a standard design for courthouses in rural areas for many years.
- It has architectural and aesthetic value.
The courthouse is one of several important public buildings on Tambo's main street. These buildings, including the post offices and shire hall, give the town its unique look.
- It has a strong connection to the community.
The former Court House has been important to the people of Tambo for a long time. It was where justice was carried out. It was also used for public events. Now, it serves the community as a public library.
