The Birthplace of Federation - In 1893 a conference held by the Federation League of Australia, saw a resolution passed that paved the way for the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901.
Today the township of Corowa is often referred to as the 'Birthplace of Federation'.
Spanning the majestic Murray River from Corowa in New South Wales to Wahgunyah in Victoria, this iron lace bridge was named after one of Wahgunyah and Corowa's pioneer founders, Mr John Foord. He operated the original punt across the Murray River and was instrumental in building the first bridge. The original piles are still visible from the bank…
Now located at the entrance to Ball Park Caravan Park and privately owned, this water fountain was originally donated by Mayor A. A. Piggin in 1907 to commemorate the opening of Corowa's town water supply. The fountain was originally placed on the corner of Sanger and Mary Streets before being moved to where the War Memorial is now situated. It…
Originally planned to be a hotel but never used as such, it was a Bank of NSW branch from 1875 - 1938. During the crossing the Murray River via the John Foord Brdige, holes were cut in the stable loft of the Bank of NSW so that the Bridge Road could be watched and fire could be directed along the road if necessary - The Kelly Gang never arrived.…
The Hotel was originally built as the Bridge Inn around 1860. Its name was changed after the original canvas and timber building was consumed by fire. Towards the end of the century, Mrs Mary Chenhall turned the hotel into a huge building which also housed stables and shops. In her 19005 obituary she was hailed as one of the Corowa's outstanding…
This was the original hone of the Corowa Free Press which published its first edition on 8th October 1875 and operated from here until 1911 when it relocated to 111 Sanger Street
A storyboard sits on the street outside the Royal Hotel in Corowa, detailing the story of Federation, particularly how it relates to Corowa as the Birthplace of Federation. The timeline steps through the Federation story year by year.The Timeline storyboard is accompanied at various points throughout town by plaques in front of relevant buildings…
The Corowa Memorial Hall building was the site of the original School of Arts in 1873, the Literary Institute in 1898, the Facade in 1914 and the Memorial Hall in 1966. It was also the venue for the Celebratory Federation Banquet with Mr Edmund Barton and Mr John Quick in 1900.Today, the Memorial Hall is used for community events such as debutante…
Previously the site of the Commercial Hotel and then a Blacksmith, it was then rebuilt for the Commercial Bank of Sydney in 1901. The National Australia bank opened its first Corowa branch in 1910 next to the Globe Hotel and then relocated to this site after the Commercial Bank of Sydney moved, in 1912.
Step into a world of refined luxury at CIRCA 1936. Nestled on Corowa's historic main street, tge exclusive accommodation offers a blend of 20th-century elegance and 21st-century comfort. Housed within a meticulously restored former Rural Bank of NSW, our art deco haven invites you to discover the birthplace of the Australian Federation.Indulge in…
Opened the 1881 this building was a postal and telegraph office. Renovations preserving the original façade and removing the original tower were completed in the 1920's following a dispute over the size of the clock.The first telegraph was sent in 1873 and the first telephone call from Wodonga to Wahgunyah occurred in 1878. In 1913 Corowa's first…
Mr Arnot Leslie and Mr Guy Leslie (former owners of the Corowa Free Press) started 'Austral Pictures' in 1915, with an Open Air theatre located at the current Shell Service Station site. The Rex Movie Theatre opened in 1936 and closed in 1964. The interior décor is largely original.
A prominent landmark in the town of Corowa, the Soldiers Memorial stands proud and tall at the head of Sanger Street.The memorial with its clock tower was unveiled in 1922. An avenue of trees was planted along Albury Road, which was later renamed Honour Avenue. In the World War I, 187 men lost their lives, and in World War II, 22 paid the supreme…
Corowa's Newmarket Hotel was built in 1888 on land adjacent to the original saleyards and the railway. A historic Annis and George Bills horse trough sits in front of the pub, a holdover from days gone by when passers-by would hitch their horses in front for a drink. The pub's facade declares it to be "the cocky's bar".It currently operates as a…
Step back in time and discover Corowa's history and its role in the birth of Federation Australia by visiting the Corowa Federation Museum. Museum displays include: reason for Australia becoming a federation and Corowa's involvement; Dr John Quick's role in the federation; local Aboriginal artefacts; Tommy McRae sketches; horse drawn vehicles and…
The middle section of the building opened in 1888, with the side sections being completed in the 1890. The official proceeding of the Federation Conference on July 31st and August 01st 1893 were held in this Court House. It is still functioning as a court house today.
The hospital opened after the Corowa Free Press started advocating for a hospital in 1878. Funds were raised from man sources including the Border Brass Band's Hospital Sunday concerts. The Hospital opened in 1893 with its first medical officers - Drs Lang and Shortt. Since then it has been greatly expanded. Part of the original hospital can still…
The original weatherboard building was opened in 1901 by Ms Farquharson. The building was later relocated to the outskirts of Corowa. Originally located alongside 'Braeside' the home of Mr J Leslie, former owner of the Free Press. The building is now a private residence
The Culcairn to Corowa railway line opened in 1892 and ceased operating in 1988. The end of the line turntable is 50 feet diameter and can still be seen. The Station Master's residence is currently used as a toy library, The old tracks have been covered and converted into a walking and cycle path and the surrounding gardens have been developed and…
Located on Federation Avenue, the Pioneer Cemetery in Corowa was started prior to Federation, with the oldest headstone dated 1859. The headstone was that of Mr Andrew Hume, nephew of Mr Hamilton Hume of Hume and Hovell fame.A memorial wall remembers those whose graves cannot be identified. The cemetery is now only used for burials with a…
Corowa's Catholic Cemetery sits on the outskirts of town, adjacent to the Corowa Lawn Cemetery, which was opened at the site in 1970. While the cemetery is still in use today, there are many historical headstones and monuments within the cemetery, with the oldest identified headstone dating back to 1883.
Originally the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the original building was built on this site in 1884. The present building was built in 1967. A community garden is now located at the rear of the church.
The original church was built on this site in 1878. The existing Church was built on the same site and was opened in 1921 by Dr Mannix
The first Anglican Church was built on this site, as a memorial to Colonel Bladen Neill who had been killed in Melbourne in 1859. The current Church was built between 1883 and 1911 and features a large stained glass window, donated by Mrs Elisabeth Hume, sister-in-law of the explorer Hamilton Hume, in memory of her and her son, Andrew.
The Shire Council purchased the site in 1939 and in 1940 developed a 1000 yards runway within seven months. After the Federal Government took over the operations in 1942 the RAAF enlarged the aerodrome but then vacated the site at the end of that year. In 1944 it was used as a satellite training strip by Liberator bombers working out of Tocumwal.…
Federation Council would like to thank all those who contributed to the research completed for this guide, in particular Allan Handberg of the Corowa District Historical Society and Federation Museum.
