History of Inverell
(Inverell Post Office)
Major Events 1827-1920
Major Events 1920-1996
Historic Properties - New England Portion of Shire
Historic Properties - Gwydir Portion of Shire
Place Names
Buildings in the CBD
Major Events 1920-1996
Historic Properties - New England Portion of Shire
Historic Properties - Gwydir Portion of Shire
Place Names
Buildings in the CBD
The town had its beginnings when Colin and Rosana Ross arrived in August 1853, to start a store for the settlers who had moved into the district during 1839-40. Ross Hill is named after the family.
However, the man who was to give Inverell its name and lay the foundations for today’s modern community was Alexander Campbell. A Scottish immigrant, Campbell came to Australia in 1824 and was employed by Peter MacIntyre in the Hunter Valley.
In March 1835, Campbell set out on what proved to be a long and hazadous journey to explore the new country known as the New England.
After travelling through Guyra and Bundarra, Campbell established a property for his employer, calling it Byron Station and established Inverell Station for himself. The Station can still be seen today, on the Ashford Road, just north of town.
The name Inverell means: "Inv" a meeting place and "Ell" swans, so named because of the many swans in the area at that time. Today you can see the swans at Lake Inverell on the eastern edge of town.
During the early days Inverell was known as Green Swamp and was a favourite camping place for bullockies. The location was most favoured for crossing the Macintyre River.
Green Swamp was an obvious site for the village and with many travellers passing through and families settling in the district Inverell was named in 1856.
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