FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP
CHILTERN-RUTHERGLEN ROAD CORNISHTOWN, INDIGO SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP - History
As part of the Indigo Mining Division, encompassing Chiltern, Indigo and Rutherglen, settlement west of Chiltern did not commence until the gold rush finally reached the north-east part of Victoria. Here Woolshed diggings were worked first, as early as 1853. As the first easy alluvial diggings were exhausted, new fields were opened up at Indigo at Chiltern in 1858; followed by the rush to Rutherglen in 1860.
By the end of the year 1860, seven deep leads and seven reefs were being worked. Thomas Thornely reported that the population of the Indigo Mining Division in December 1860 was 12,905, including 1925 Chinese (Lloyd and Kennedy 2007: 28 and 29). Parish and geological plans of the period (i. e. Everett 1868) refer to mining settlements such as Durham, Indigo, Cornishtown, each separated by 12 kilometres or so. However, mining on the Indigo was mostly shallow alluvial mining and/or search for gold found in deep leads that was easily exhausted. Places such as Durham quickly declined after the 1860s and the Chinese men who stayed in the region, diversified to work in the winery and other local industries (Lloyd and Kennedy 2007:155).
There is little direct documented evidence of the site, but oral history provides good supporting sources for its existence.FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP - Interpretation of Site
Despite the lack of evidence of surface features, ceramic remnants and brick have been collected from the area and the site has further archaeological potential.
FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP - Archaeological Significance
The location of Durham is of significance as one of a series of short lived mining towns settled during the 19th century by both Europeans and Chinese, and appears to have enough integrity and potential for further sub-surface features; including structures and portable material.
Further assessment of Durham, comprising historical research, archaeological survey and excavation of the less disturbed areas on private land has the potential to contribute to the corpus information regarding Chinese settlement in the north east in particular, as well as more broadly. Chinese settlement at the All Saint Winery at Wahgunyah, for example is well known and comparison to this, and other Chinese settlements in nearby mining areas, may allow a more thorough understanding of the changes the ethnic group experienced after the goldrush of the late 1850s.FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP - Historical Significance
The site is significant through its association with 19th century mining in the north-east and more broadly with the history of non-European groups in Australia.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMP - Heritage Inventory Description
Private Property and Crown Reserve; private section inspected from the road.
Location of former township of Durham, a 19th century mining camp and work area, and source of some of the Chinese artefacts held at the Chiltern Athenaeum (Rex Fuge, pers. comm.). Only a segment of public land was inspected and only one fragment of glass was located: possibly hand made. Part of the site where Chinese material was located comprises mullock heaps and gravel, and is on private land and could not be accessed.
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INDIGO DEEP LEAD WORKINGS (1)Victorian Heritage Inventory
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FORMER DURHAM CHINESE CAMPVictorian Heritage Inventory
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