Published on Tuesday, 9 February 2021 at 3:29:00 PM
Leading the Railway by Lorin Cox
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge all the people who have celebrated history throughout time to ensure that important local, historical milestones are captured and promoted. One such proactive group were the Australian Railway Historical Society (WA Division) who coordinated this sign unveiling at the site of the old Chapman River Bridge in an attempt to communicate its state importance. The line between Geraldton and Northampton was constructed to transport lead which was being mined in the Northampton area. It was the first Government railway line constructed in Western Australia. The Chapman River Railway Bridge holds great significance for the important role it played in ensuring that our first railway line continued on uninterrupted. Although a monumental infrastructure coup for the area, Railways of the Mid West states that there was little to no fanfare at the official opening on 26 July 1879 for a number of reasons including the fact that the project had run well over budget, was not delivered on time and the price of lead had decreased dramatically.
This image is undated, however, it is likely that it was taken in 1979, exactly 100 years after the line’s completion. Please do contact the Library if you have any further details.
Caption: Sign unveiling at Chapman River Railway Bridge, courtesy of Geraldton Guardian Newspaper Offices.
Caption by Lorin Cox.
Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide to the Library, contact Heritage Services at the Geraldton Regional Library on 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au
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