Murray Bridge Local History
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Local History of Murray Bridge, South Australia
Early History
The area now known as Murray Bridge was originally inhabited by the Ngarrindjeri people who had a rich culture based on fishing, hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s and established several sheep stations along the Murray River.
The first European to explore the area was Captain Charles Sturt in 1830, who named the area the Murray Mouth. In 1853, the first bridge was built across the Murray River, which led to the development of the town of Murray Bridge. The bridge was wooden and was located near the current location of the Murray Bridge Green.
Growth and Development
The development of Murray Bridge was driven by the arrival of the railway in 1886. This allowed for goods to be transported more easily, leading to an increase in commerce and industry. In the early 1900s, the town grew rapidly, with the population increasing from 1,000 to over 6,000.
The Murray Bridge Racecourse was opened in 1912 and became a popular destination for horse racing. Today, it is one of the largest horse racing tracks in the state.
During World War II, Murray Bridge played an important role as a training base for the Australian Army. Thousands of troops were stationed in the area and the town became a hub of activity.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Murray Bridge has undergone a period of growth and development. The construction of the Murray Bridge freeway in the 1990s made the town more accessible, leading to an increase in tourism and investment.
In 2009, the Murray Bridge Racing Club was upgraded and expanded, making it one of the premier sporting facilities in the region. The Riverglen Marina was also developed, providing boat launching facilities, moorings and a range of other services for recreational boaters.
Murray Bridge is now a thriving community with a diverse range of businesses and services. It is home to several major industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. The town also boasts a range of cultural and sporting events throughout the year, including the Murray Bridge Agricultural Show and the Murray Bridge Cycling Classic.
History of in Murray Bridge
Murray Bridge has a rich history spanning back to the earliest days of European settlement in South Australia. It has undergone significant growth and development, becoming one of the major regional centres in the state. Today, it is a vibrant and diverse community with a thriving economy and a strong sense of culture and tradition.