Essendon Local History
The Local History of Essendon, Victoria
Essendon is a suburb in the north-west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is located 8 km north-west of the central business district and covers an area of 2.3 square kilometers. The suburb is bounded by Moonee Ponds Creek to the east, Maribyrnong River to the west, and the Tullamarine Freeway to the north.
Indigenous History
The Wurundjeri people were the traditional custodians of the land that is now known as Essendon. They lived in the area for thousands of years and had a deep connection to the land and waterways. The Wurundjeri people were known for their skills in hunting, fishing, and gathering food from the natural environment. They had a rich culture and language, and their traditions and stories were passed down through generations.
European Settlement
The first European settler in Essendon was John Pascoe Fawkner, who arrived in Melbourne in 1835 on the ship Enterprize. Fawkner established a farm in the area that is now known as St. John's Wood. Other European settlers followed, and the area became a thriving agricultural community.
In the 1850s, gold was discovered in Victoria, and many people flocked to the state in search of riches. The population of Essendon grew rapidly, and the area became a residential suburb. Many grand Victorian-era homes were built, and the suburb became known for its beautiful parks and gardens.
Transportation
In the late 1800s, Essendon became an important transportation hub. The Essendon railway station was built in 1860, and the Maribyrnong River was used for shipping goods and produce to Melbourne. In the early 1900s, trams were introduced to the area, and Essendon became an important tram terminus.
Essendon Airport
In 1921, Essendon Airport was opened. It was originally used for military purposes but was later used as a commercial airport. During World War II, the airport was used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force. After the war, the airport became a hub for domestic flights in Australia. Today, the airport is still in operation, but it is mainly used for private and corporate aviation.
Sports
Essendon is known for its strong sporting culture. The Essendon Football Club, also known as the Bombers, is a professional Australian rules football club that was founded in 1871. The club has won 16 premierships and is one of the most successful clubs in the history of the sport. Essendon is also home to the Essendon Baseball Club, which has a proud history and is one of the oldest baseball clubs in Australia.
History of in Essendon
Essendon has a rich history that has been shaped by indigenous culture, early European settlement, transportation, and sports. The suburb has a unique character that is defined by its beautiful parks and gardens, grand Victorian-era homes, and strong community spirit. Today, Essendon is a thriving suburb that offers a high quality of life for its residents and visitors.