Xantippe, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids XantippeWestern Australia |
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View from near the top of Xantippe Rock
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 Xantippe
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1925 |
| Postcode(s) | 6609 |
| Time zone | Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8) |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Dalwallinu |
Xantippe is a small rural area located in Western Australia. It is about 220 kilometers (137 miles) northeast of Perth, the capital city. Xantippe is special because it is the only place in Australia whose name begins with the letter "X"! In 2016, only 20 people lived here.
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What's in a Name?
There are two main ideas about how Xantippe got its unusual name.
The Greek Connection
One idea is that it was named after Xanthippe. She was the wife of Socrates, a very famous ancient Greek philosopher.
Looking for Water
The other idea is that the name comes from a phrase meaning "looking for water from a deeper well." People who live in Xantippe often prefer this explanation.
Xantippe's History
The first farms in the Xantippe area were started in 1925. A school was open in the village from 1930 to 1940, helping to educate the children of the early settlers.
The Big Water Tank
One of the most important buildings in Xantippe is a very large water tank. Work on this tank began in 1923 and finished in 1927. It was first planned to send water to the nearby town of Dalwallinu. However, it was hard to pump water over the hills. So, the tank ended up supplying water to the local farms in Xantippe instead.
Exploring Xantippe Nature Reserve
Around the large water tank is the Xantippe Nature Reserve. This area is a popular spot for visitors. From the top of the granite rock, you can see amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding land. It's a great place to enjoy nature.
Xantippe on a Coin!
In 2019, Xantippe was chosen for a special honor. It represented the letter "X" in a set of collectable Australian one dollar coins. This set included a coin for each letter of the alphabet. It's pretty cool to have a place named Xantippe on a coin!
