Richmond Valley Local History
The Richmond Valley is located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. The region is home to several towns and villages, including Casino, Evans Head, and Coraki. The area has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with the region being home to the Bundjalung people.
The first European explorers to the area were British naval officers, Lieutenant Henry Rous and Captain Patrick Logan in 1828. The pair sailed up the Richmond River in search of cedar, which was highly prized at the time for its timber. The area was initially called Richmond River, but was later renamed Richmond Valley in 1933.
The arrival of European settlers in the area led to the displacement of the Bundjalung people, and the establishment of large grazing properties. The region was particularly well-suited to cattle farming, and by the late 1800s, beef production had become a significant industry in the area.
The town of Casino was founded in 1846, and quickly became a hub for the surrounding agriculture industry. In the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the region, and several gold rushes occurred, including at the town of Copmanhurst.
During the early 1900s, the region saw the establishment of several dairy cooperatives, which helped to boost the local economy. The first butter factory was built in Coraki in 1901, and by 1918, there were 11 butter factories operating in the Richmond Valley.
The region suffered during the Great Depression, which hit the area hard due to its reliance on primary industries. However, the region rebounded after World War II, with the establishment of several large sugar mills and a thriving beef industry.
Today, the Richmond Valley remains an important center for agriculture in New South Wales. The region is home to several large farming properties, and is particularly known for its beef, sugar cane, and dairy industries. The region is also a popular tourist destination, with several national parks, beaches, and cultural attractions.