Claremont Local History
Claremont is a beautiful and historic suburb of Perth, located along the Swan River in Western Australia. The area has a rich and diverse history, from the land dealings with local Aboriginal tribes to the arrival of European settlers, and the many events and developments since.
Pre-European Contact
The Claremont area has a long history of Aboriginal occupation, with several local tribes including the Noongar people living in the area for thousands of years prior to European settlement. The region was rich in natural resources, including the river, which provided a reliable source of food and water.
Early European Settlement
The first European settlement in the Claremont area occurred in the early 1830s, after land was granted to Englishman Thomas George Anstruther in 1831. Anstruther named his property Claremont, after his wife's Scottish ancestry, and built a grand mansion on the site which still stands to this day.
The lands around Claremont were soon opened up to other settlers, leading to a rapid expansion of the area. By the mid-19th century, Claremont was a thriving agricultural community, with farms and orchards covering much of the surrounding countryside.
Gold Rush and Development
The discovery of gold in Western Australia in the late 19th century led to a period of rapid growth and development in Claremont. Many of the early settlers became wealthy from the gold rush, and used their newfound wealth to build grand homes and public buildings in the area.
Significant development occurred during this period, with the construction of roads, railways and other infrastructure linking Claremont with other parts of Western Australia. The famous Claremont Showgrounds were also established during this period, and remain a major attraction to this day.
Modern Times
Over the years, the Claremont area has continued to develop and thrive. Today, it is one of the most desirable suburbs in Perth, with a thriving commercial center, excellent schools and a range of high-quality housing options.
Despite this modernization, Claremont has retained much of its historic charm. Many of the original buildings from the early settlement period still stand, and the area is full of beautiful parks and green spaces. Visitors to the area can take a stroll along the river, explore historic sites such as the Claremont Museum, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming Perth suburb.
In Conclusion
Claremont is a vibrant and historic suburb of Perth, with a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years. From the early Aboriginal occupation to the modern-day commercial and cultural center it has become, Claremont has always been a place of great importance and significance. We encourage anyone interested in the history and culture of Western Australia to visit Claremont and explore its many treasures.