Discover the history of Corowa The Birthplace of Federation In 1893 a conference held by the Federation League of Australia, saw a resolution passed that paved the way for the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901. Today the township of Corowa is often referred to as the ‘Birthplace of Federation’.
1. The John Foord Bridge Bridge Road This bridge was named after one of Wahgunyah and Corowa’s pioneer founders, Mr John Foord. He operated the original punt across the Murray River and was instrumental in building the first bridge. The original piles are still visible from the bank in Rowers Park. The current steel bridge was completed in 1892.
Immerse yourself in the rich history as you uncover the stories behind twenty five historic sites and landmarks across the township of Corowa. Each site has its own unique story, taking on the journey from yesteryear to the present day. Allow yourself some time to soak up the information along this self-guided tour.
• Federation Information Plaque – located in Rowers Park.
The tour takes approximately three hours by foot or one hour by car.
Federation Council would like to thank all those who contributed to the research completed for this guide, in particular Allan Handberg of the Corowa District Historical Society and Federation Museum.
22. The Calvary Uniting Church Corner Church and Queen Streets Originally the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the original building was built on this site in 1884. The present building was built in 1967. A community garden is now located at the rear of the church.
23. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parade Place The original church was built on this site in 1878. The existing Church was built on the same site and was opened in 1921 by Dr Mannix.
2. The Water Fountain Bridge Road Now located at the entrance to Ball Park Caravan Park and privately owned, this water fountain was originally donated by Mayor A.A. Piggin in 1907 to commemorate the opening of Corowa’s town water supply. The Fountain was originally placed on the corner of Sanger and Mary Streets before being moved to where the War Memorial is now situated. It was then moved to the front of the old Council Chambers on the corner of Bow Street and Honour Avenue before being relocated to Ball Park in 1922.
24. St John’s Anglican Church Federation Avenue The first Anglican Church was built on this site, as a memorial to Colonel Bladen Neill who had been killed in Melbourne in 1859. The current Church was built between 1883 and 1911 and features a large stained glass window, donated by Mrs Elisabeth Hume, sister-in-law of the explorer Hamilton Hume, in memory of her and her son, Andrew.
25. The Corowa Aerodrome Redlands Road The Shire Council purchased the site in 1939 and in 1940 developed a 1000 yards runway within seven months. After the Federal Government took over the operations in 1942 the RAAF enlarged the aerodrome but then vacated the site at the end of that year. In 1944 it was used as a satellite training strip by Liberator bombers working out of Tocumwal. Post‑war, until 1963, commercial flights used Corowa Airport, however, it was then transferred back to an aerodrome.
3. The Bank of New South Wales / Easdown House 1 Sanger Street Originally planned to be a hotel but never used as such, it was a Bank of NSW branch from 1875-1938. During the ‘crisis’ caused by rumours that the Kelly Gang could be crossing the Murray River via the John Foord Bridge, holes were cut in the stable loft of the Bank of NSW so that Bridge Road could be watched and fire could be directed along the road if necessary – the Kelly Gang never arrived. It was then purchased in 1938 by Mr Easdown, an accountant, who used it as his office and residence until his death.
5. The Corowa Free Press 21 Sanger Street This was the original home of the Corowa Free Press which published its first edition on 8 October, 1875 and operated from here until 1911 when it relocated to 111 Sanger Street.
6. The Federation Time-line 95 Sanger Street, outside the Royal Hotel A detailed storyboard stepping through the Federation story year by year.
4. The Globe Hotel / Sanger Street 2 Sanger Street The hotel was originally built as the Bridge Inn around 1860. Its name was changed after the original canvas and timber building was consumed by fire. Towards the end of the century, Mrs Mary Chenhall turned the hotel into a huge building which also housed stables and shops. In her 1905 obituary she was hailed as one of Corowa’s outstanding business people. The hotel’s balcony (removed in the 1960s) was the venue for the evening banquet on Monday 31 July 1893, for 180 delegates and politicians attending the Corowa Federation Conference. In 1942, it was temporarily taken over by the Air Force.
7. The Corowa Memorial Hall 86-88 Sanger Street This building was the site of the original School of Arts in 1873, the Literary Institute in 1898, Façade 1914 and Memorial Hall in 1966. It was also the venue for the Celebratory Federation Banquet with Mr Edmund Barton and Mr John Quick in 1900.
• Federation Information Plaque – located opposite at 1 Sanger Street.
• Federation Information Plaque located opposite at 85 Sanger Street.
Upon request of the individual owners of the privately owned buildings on the trail visitors are asked to please be respectful when visiting. The premises may not be entered unless prior arrangements have been made with the property owners. Corowa Visitor Information Centre 100 Edward Street, Corowa Civic Centre, Corowa NSW 2646 (02) 6033 3221 tourism@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au www.visitcorowaregion.com.au Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday Closed Find us on Facebook and Instagram @visitcorowaregion #visitcorowaregion DISCLAIMER: This document is to be used as a guide only. Federation Council makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Federation Council and their employees shall not be liable in any way for loss of any kind, including damages, costs, interest loss of profits or special loss or damage arising from any error, incompleteness or other defect in this information: PUBLISHER: Federation Council, November 2018 Creative Design & Printing: Specialty Press, Albury
Corowa History Trail