Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station |
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| Location | Stanton Hill, North Ward, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architect | Robert Hoggan |
| Official name: Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station, Townsville Observatory | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600926 |
| Significant period | 1891 (fabric) |
The Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station is a special historical marker. It's located on Stanton Hill in North Ward, Townsville. This important concrete pillar was built in 1891. It was designed by Robert Hoggan, who was a government surveyor and astronomer.
This station is also known as the Townsville Observatory. It played a big role in mapping Queensland a long time ago. Today, it's recognized for its historical importance. It is officially listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
A Look Back in Time
In 1891, two important structures were built on top of Stanton Hill in Townsville. These were an astronomical observatory and a trigonometrical (trig) station. The observatory is no longer there, but the concrete trig station still stands.
These stations were very important in the late 1800s. They were part of the first big effort to map Queensland. Surveyors used them to get accurate measurements across the land. This helped create the first large-scale maps of the state.
Most of the early trig stations in Queensland were made of timber. They were posts that held a special tool called a theodolite. This tool helped measure angles and lines. Over time, most of these timber posts disappeared.
However, the stations in Townsville and Thursday Island were different. They were built using strong concrete pillars. Because they were so well-built, these concrete stations have lasted much longer. Even though surveyors use modern tools now, the data from these old stations is still useful.
What It Looks Like
The Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station is located on Stanton Hill. It sits on the northern edge of a group of homes.
The station is made of concrete. It has a cone shape, like a tall, narrow pyramid. The pillar stands about 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) tall. It is about 0.3 meters (about 1 foot) wide at the top.
On the very top of the pillar, there are three small holes. These holes were used to hold the theodolite. This was the special measuring tool that surveyors used. The area around the trig station is now paved and has gardens.
Why This Place is Special
The Townsville Astronomical Trigonometrical Station was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important historical site.
- It shows how Queensland's history developed.
This station, built in 1891, was crucial for land surveying in Queensland. It's also special because it's one of only two concrete astronomical trig stations built in Queensland in the 1800s.
- It's a rare part of Queensland's history.
Since it's one of only two surviving 19th-century concrete trig stations in Queensland (the other is at Thursday Island), it's very rare. It helps us understand how mapping and surveying were done a long time ago.
- It shows key features of its type.
The station is a great example of a 19th-century trig station. It helps us understand how these important surveying points were designed and used.
