Narrogin Local History
Narrogin is a town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, approximately 192 kilometers southeast of Perth. The area around Narrogin was traditionally inhabited by the Noongar people. The town's name is derived from the Noongar word "narrah" which means "place of water". The town was established in 1897 and quickly grew to become an important center for agriculture and commerce in the region.
The first European explorers to visit the area were Captain James Stirling and John Septimus Roe in 1835. The town site was originally an Aboriginal mission that was established in 1846 by Bishop William Godel. The mission was abandoned in 1851, and the land was used for grazing. In 1893, the government purchased the land and declared it a town site. Narrogin was officially gazetted as a town in 1897.
The early settlers of the region were predominantly of British origin, and they established a number of large sheep and wheat farms in the area. The town quickly grew to support the agricultural industry, and by the early 1900s, a number of businesses had established themselves in the town, including a general store, a blacksmith, and a hotel.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the railway was instrumental in the development of Narrogin. The railway provided a means to transport wheat and other goods to the port of Fremantle, and it also brought new settlers and businesses to the town. The first section of the railway line from Perth to Albany was completed in 1889, and the Narrogin railway station was established two years later. The railway station played an important role in the town's growth, and it was the hub of the community for many years.
During World War II, Narrogin was an important center for the Australian Army. The town's location made it an ideal training ground for soldiers, and thousands of troops passed through the town during the war. The army established a number of facilities in the area, including a training camp, a hospital, and a morgue. After the war, many soldiers settled in the area, contributing to the post-war growth of the town.
In the decades following World War II, Narrogin continued to grow and develop. The town became an important center for wheat farming, and it was also a significant center for wool production. A number of new businesses and industries were established in the town, and the population continued to grow. In recent years, the town has diversified its economy, with a greater emphasis on tourism and services.
Today, Narrogin is a thriving town with a population of approximately 4,000 people. The town has a strong agricultural sector, but it also boasts a range of other industries, including education, health care, and retail. Narrogin is home to a number of schools and amenities, including a hospital, a library, and a recreation center. The town is also an important tourism destination, with many visitors coming to the area to explore its natural beauty and historic sites.