SASSAFRAS CREEK GRAVES (SASSAFRAS CEMETERY)
BENAMBRA-CORRYONG ROAD NARIEL VALLEY, TOWONG SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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SASSAFRAS CREEK GRAVES (SASSAFRAS CEMETERY) - History
The Sassafras Creek gold diggings were opened with a rush in 1868, when some 150 diggers were camped on Sassafras & Saltpetre Creeks. A small settlement boasting an hotel grew up adjacent to where the cemetery now stands. Known as Sunny Point, it was occupied intermittenly until the 1930's. Another rush took place in 1878. The monument and plaque were erected by the Omeo and Upper Murray Historical Societies. The plaque has 6 names - John Smith Miller died 29.6.1869, William Miller died 1.9.1874, Charlie Blevin (An American Red Indian), John Brown, Mrs Lawrence and her infant, Simeon (Simmie) Davies died March 1896.Heritage Inventory Description
SASSAFRAS CREEK GRAVES (SASSAFRAS CEMETERY) - Heritage Inventory Description
A modern stone monument with a brass plaque marks the site, as well as an earlier steel sign with rough, welded lettering. The exact position of the graves is not known, and no markers survive. It is possible that later mining activities have impacted on the site. Below the monument are a row of faint elongated humps and hollows, probably not visible with normal scrubby growth, that could possible be a row of graves. Immediately below these are a substantial stone mound (fireplace) and a small depression filled with stone. High on the flat, a water race crosses the spur. Local opinion has it that the graves may have been in the vicinity of or above the water race.
The cemetery is situated on the flat point of spur, 30 metres above creek level, overlooking Sassafras Creek. The are is heavily timbered, with no undergrowth when visited after the 2003 bush fires. The creek flat below has been intensively worked for alluvial gold, and workings extend uphill to incised leads at various places. Several occupation sites (hut sites) are in evidence close to the cemetery. A stone fireplace, much broken bottle glass, crockery etc is visible on the creek end of the cemetery flat.
Physical Conditions:
Poor. Modern marker is in good condition.
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SASSAFRAS AND SALTPETRE CREEK ALLUVIAL WORKINGSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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SASSAFRAS CREEK GRAVES (SASSAFRAS CEMETERY)Victorian Heritage Inventory
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