Salisbury, South Australia
Free from, Australian History
Salisbury /ˈsɔːlzbəri, -bri/ A city in the metropolitan area of Adelaide, SA, bound by Spains Rd, Crosskeys Rd and Commercial Rd, it housed an explosives factory and was formerly a site for research into long-range weapons now the (DSTG) Defence Science and Technology Group the site is now part of Edinburgh Park.[1]
History
John Harvey (1821-1899) founded Salisbury in 1847 after purchasing sections of land in the Hundred of Yatala. He named the town in honor of his wife, who came from the Salisbury Plains area in Wiltshire, England. The area quickly gained attention due to its strategic location, serving as a key point on the "High Road" to the Burra Burra Mines and Gawler Town, which positioned it for future growth in commerce and transportation. However, the settlement initially struggled with access to water. The town was located on a hill where no water was readily available, and early attempts to dig wells were unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, Harvey persevered, and wells were eventually dug to a depth of 54 feet, tapping into groundwater, which finally resolved the water scarcity issue. This difficulty with water was a major concern, as it was crucial for both the local population and the town’s potential for agricultural development. Salisbury was also known for its picturesque beauty, earning it the nickname "Salisbury on the Pretty" for its scenic surroundings. The town’s attractiveness and strategic location helped establish it as a thriving settlement.[2]
The Railway Station
The Salisbury railway station, a key link in South Australia's expanding rail network, first opened on January 1, 1857. Initially, it was just a temporary wooden structure built to accommodate the burgeoning demand for transport between Adelaide and the surrounding regions. However, within ten years, this modest building was replaced by a more permanent one, which stood for over a century and became central to the life of the town. The railway itself, completed by the end of 1856, connected Salisbury to Adelaide, with three trains running each day. In October 1857, the railway line was extended to Gawler, further integrating Salisbury into the regional transport network. Passengers and goods moved efficiently, boosting the town’s economy and its accessibility. The stationmaster at the time, Edward Cherry, was instrumental in managing operations during the station’s early days. By 1916, as the importance of the railway continued to grow, the station underwent significant upgrades. A new platform, ticket office, control room, and parcel services were constructed, solidifying its role as a hub for both passengers and freight. Telegraph services, introduced in 1857, revolutionized communication between Salisbury and Adelaide. The stationmasters, including Edward Cherry, played a dual role, managing both the railway and postal services. By the 1890s, Salisbury had its first telephone exchange, reflecting the technological advancements of the time. Several stationmasters contributed to the smooth running of operations, including H.W. Marsden (1887–1898), J. Harrison (1899–1912), and Percy Gier, who took over in 1912. Gier also served as postmaster until 1916, when postal services were relocated from the station to a separate site in John Street. However, as time passed, the original station building could no longer meet the growing demands of modern transport. In 1969, after more than 100 years of service, the historic building was demolished to make way for a new, more modern facility. This redevelopment included the integration of a railway bus interchange, ensuring that Salisbury remained a critical transport hub in South Australia.[3]
References
- 1. Macquarie Concise Dictionary, 2006, P.1077.
- 2. Manning's Place Names of South Australia, By Geoffrey.H.Manning, 1990, P.275-P.276.
- 3. John Street Salisbury, A pictorial history, 1986, P.12.
