HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE
EZARD TRACK BROOKVILLE, EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
This record has minimal details. Please look to the right-hand-side bar for any further details about this record.
-
-
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE - History
Gold was discovered around Swifts Creek in the mid 1850s. The Highland Chief reef at Brookville wasn't discovered until 1892. A Company was formed in 1896 to run the mine. Good money was invested, and equipment that was bought and installed included: a 10-head battery, cyanide plant, vats, charcoal filters, battery house, engine room , assay house, furnaces and tramlines. The mine was situated less than a few kilometres from the old Brookville Township, which was formed in 1895. However, the Highland Chief Mine settlement, of around 30 houses and other buildings was formed just a short distance away from the mining area. Bridle tracks linked the settlement to the mines and Main Township. The Highland Chief operated for a few more years before it closed down. In 1900 the Battery and associated equipment was sold to the Brunswick Syndicate who relocated it to other mines in the area. The Brookville area was commonly called Scotch Hollow because of large number of Scotsmen there which is reflected in the names of prominent mines: Highland Chief, Highland Creek, Rob Roy, Aberdeen, Scotchman, & Lady McGregor
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE - Interpretation of Site
1892: Highland Chief Reef discovered
Ca.1900: Highland Chief Mine closed
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE - Archaeological Significance
The Highland Chief Mine Settlement site is of high archaeological significance because of its association with the Highland Chief Mine, being the dominant housing site of the area. It also has a high potential to reveal archaeological features, deposits, relics and artefacts not only pertaining to the development of the mining landscape itself, but also those who worked and lived within the area.
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE - Historical Significance
The Highland Chief Mine Settlement site is of historical significance for its association with mining within the Swifts Creek area, as well as its known use as a settlement site for the Highland Chief Mine.
Heritage Inventory Description
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SETTLEMENT SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
Site contains approximately 20-30 small house sites, two larger house sites, a possible wine shanty and one mine shaft associated with the Highland Chief Mine workings. All that remains of the house sites and possible wine shanty are the foundations, with evidence of both extant and collapsed chimneys. Most house sites contain significant artefact scatter.
The mine shaft is still largely in tact.
-
-
-
-
-
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE BATTERY SITE 1Victorian Heritage Inventory
-
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE BATTERY SITE 2Victorian Heritage Inventory
-
HIGHLAND CHIEF MINE SITE 1Victorian Heritage Inventory
-
-