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Birdsville Track Centenary Cairn Print Page 
The first European to explore the area was Edward John Eyre, who passed through in 1840. In 1859, explorer John McDouall Stuart visited the area together with the German botanist and accomplished bushman Joseph Herrgott, who discovered the springs which Stuart named after him. Herrgott had previously taken part of B. H. Babbage's expedition to Lake Torrence. He died only years afterwards, 1861, 36 years old.
Initially the area was known as Herrgott (or Hergott) Springs, with the town’s post office given the name Hergott Springs after surveying of the town in 1883. The town was also recognised as Hergott Springs in the 1911 census. Eventually, the town’s name was eventually changed to Marree in 1917 due to anti-German sentiment during World War One.
Location
| Address: | Birdsville & Oodnadatta Tracks , Marree, 5733 |
|---|---|
| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -29.651073 Long: 138.071442 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Landscape |
| Sub-Theme: | Settlement |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1883 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1983 |
Dedication
| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | 1983 |
|---|
The Birdsville Track
Pioneers brought their sheep and cattle to the vastness of these Aboriginal Lands before Marree was established.
Drovers Cameleers Teamsters and Mailmen battled the Track making development and survival possible.
Through their deeds the Track became an Australian legend.
This cairn honours the people of the Track and commemorates the centenary of Marree.
1883 - 1983
