WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD
WENHAMS TRACK WANGARATTA, WANGARATTA RURAL CITY
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Statement of Significance
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WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD - History
According to the Warby Ranges State Park brochure (Parks Victoria):
Major Mitchell originally named the Warby Ranges 'Futters Range' during his travels through the area in 1836. It was later renamed after Ben Warby, who took up the Taminick Run of 9300ha in 1844.
And the area is believed to have been used by the Kelly Gang.
The Argus in 1880 prepared a special report on the effectiveness of the 1869 Land Act in relation to land selections. They reported that the Warby Ranges on the outskirts of Wangaratta was largely selected by pastoralists but that there were still large tracks of land that had been identified as unavailable. The reporter noted that prior to the Land Act the area was thinly populated and now there were many homesteads and fenced paddocks.
Warby Ranges and especially the well drained lighter soils at the foothills wee suited to fruit trees and vines and many settlements planted these in the 1870s (Jones 1995:79).
However, there is little specific information regarding the land on which the site is located within general histories or within parish plans. The location is relatively isolated, and Friends of Warby Ranges have constructed an adjacent Arboretum and a 4km walking track. The information brochure boxes at each end of the track do not document the history of the locale in any detail.WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD - Interpretation of Site
The location and lack of information is consistent with a relatively ephemeral bush settlement; such as a logging or pastoral camp. The presence of the garden and the well tentatively suggests the potential for associated remains (sub-surface) of a dwelling or a camp.
At the same time, the site comprises various features and material that is difficult to date; including vegetation and the well which appears to be built from industrial bricks. Most of the portable rubbish, however, is likely to date to the early 20th century.WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD - Archaeological Significance
The site is of medium archaeological significance, comprising a range of surface features and a potential for further archaeological remains below the surface.
WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD - Historical Significance
The site is of significance in association with the settlement of the more remote areas of Wangaratta Shire and potential through its association with forest based activities, such as logging.
Heritage Inventory Description
WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEAD - Heritage Inventory Description
Appears to be the remains of a home site, dates unknown. Consists of cleared paddocks called Newnhams Flat, decaying fence lines, well, remnant garden (cherry plum tree, and raspberry patch), steel harrows, and two scarred trees which may have had bark shingles cut from them . One tree is dead and other is Stringybark, both have metal axe marks.
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WENHAMS TRACK HOMESTEADVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Warby RangeNational Trust
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