Narre Warren Local History
Narre Warren is a beautiful suburb in the South East of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It is located approximately 35 kilometers south-east of Melbourne's CBD. The suburb was first settled in the 1840s, and it was named after Narre Warren station which was built in the area at the same time.
The name Narre Warren is derived from the Aboriginal word "Narro Narro", which means "very tall". This name was given to the area by the Wurundjeri people, the indigenous inhabitants of the area. The first white settlers in the area were Scottish immigrants who arrived in the 1840s.
The first European settlement in the Narre Warren area was established in 1843 when the Scottish brothers, James and Archie McInnes, arrived in the area. They established a squatting run of around 20,000 acres. The McInnes family lived on the property until the early 1900s when the land was subdivided and sold.
The area became more populated during the mid-1800s when farmers and other settlers began to move into the area. A large number of Irish immigrants also settled in the area during the 1850s and 1860s.
In the 1880s the railway line was extended to the area, which greatly improved transport links and provided a major boost to the local economy. A number of industries were established in the area, including a tannery, a brickworks, and a sawmill.
Throughout the 1900s, Narre Warren continued to grow and develop. In the 1950s and 1960s, the area became increasingly suburban, with new housing developments being built to accommodate the growing population. The opening of Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in 1970 provided a major boost to the local economy and helped to make Narre Warren a more desirable place to live.
The Narre Warren of today is a vibrant and bustling suburb with a population of around 26,000 people. It is home to a number of schools, parks, and sporting facilities, as well as a range of shops and restaurants. The area is well connected to the rest of Melbourne, with easy access to major transport links such as the Monash Freeway and the Princes Highway.
Despite its rapid growth and development, Narre Warren has managed to retain much of its history and heritage. There are a number of historic buildings in the area, including the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall and the historic Berwick Springs homestead. These buildings serve as a reminder of the area's rich history and provide a glimpse into the past for both residents and visitors alike.
In conclusion, Narre Warren has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 170 years. From its early days as a squattocracy run by the McInnes family to its current status as a thriving and vibrant suburb, Narre Warren has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, Narre Warren is a bustling and modern suburb that is proud of its history and heritage, and it continues to be an important part of the Melbourne metropolitan area.