Black Mountain, New South Wales
History
Black Mountain takes its name from a volcanic peak and is derived from its heritage-listed railway station. The station, originally entitled Boorolong, opened in 1884 and operated 103 years of service until cessation in 1987.
During the 19th century, Black Mountain became the hangout of Captain Thunderbolt, a bushranger who lived in a cave used as a lair for assistant robberies.
Today Black Mountain is a small classical-style village and thrives on its importance of traditional agriculture.
Features and location
Located on a volcanic uplift of the Northern Tablelands, the town is one of the highest in Australia at about 1,312 metres (4,304 ft) above sea level. The New England Highway is the main transport link to Armidale. The Northern Railway tracks still pass through the village, but this section of the line, north of Armidale, is now disused.
Black Mountain village exists in two sections. Located on the New England Highway is the Black Mountain Roadhouse and motel at the top of notorious Devil's Pinch, which is subject to snow falls that close the road. This marks the turn off into Black Mountain proper, a drive of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi).
The Black Mountain area was a well known haunt of Captain Thunderbolt. One of his hideout caves is located 200 metres (660 ft) to the south of the roadhouse.
Sheep and beef cattle breeding is the main industry of the area.
Black Mountain Baptist Church was built there in 1902 and restored in 1992. Black Mountain has a public school and nursery which is the home of the award-winning three point linkage Youman Tree Planter machine and services. Booroolong Railway Station Post Office opened on 8 December 1884, was renamed Black Mountain around 1886 and closed in 1985.
Heritage listings
Black Mountain has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
- Main Northern railway: Black Mountain railway station
See also
References
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Black Mountain (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 15 June 2009.
- ^ Phoenix Auctions History. "Post Office List". Phoenix Auctions. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- ^ "Black Mountain Railway Station". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01087. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence.
- Guyra Guide 2008, The Guyra Argus, Guyra 2008