Major Thomas Mitchell Print Page

The cairn commemorates Major Thomas Mitchell who passed the the area during his exploration in 1836. The cairn was unveiled in 1930 and in 1936 a monster picnic was held near the site. 

At the unveiling of the Bulla memorial for Hume and Hovell, Charles Daley the Secretary of the Victorian Historical Society suggested that the idea be extended to other explorers and a committee was formed to mark out the routes of Charles Sturt, Thomas Mitchell, Angus McMillan, and Count Paul de Strzelecki.

Thirty-five cairns or tablets to Mitchell were erected at Nyah West, Swan Hill, Cohuna, Mount Pyramid, Fernihurst, Wedderburn, Kanya, Stawell, Mount William, Horsham, Mount Arapiles, Miga Lake, Harrow, Coleraine, Casterton, Dartmoor, Isle of Bags, Portland, Mount Rouse, Mount Napier, Hamilton, Lake Repose, Dunkeld, Middle Creek, Mount Greenock, Mitchellstown, Nagambie, Castlemaine, Expedition Pass, Kyneton, Benalla, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Gooramadda and a public park at Natimuk (Major Mitchell Park, Mount Arapiles, Natimuk).

Chiltern, Friday.- A cairn at Chiltern Valley, erected conjointly by residents of Chiltern Valley, the progress association, and the shire council, in the path of the explorer Major T Mitchell, who crossed the Black Dog Creek near the spot to New South Wales on October 16, 1836, was unveiled today by the president of the Chiltern Shire Council (Councillor Sutherland) in the presence of a large assemblage of residents and visitors. Before the unveiling Mr Herbert Hansford, a member of the Historical Memorials committee, Mr. K. Long, member of committee, Mr. C Dales, secretary, and Councillor Poole delivered addresses.  At the end of the ceremony Dr. Harkin moved and Councillor Braun seconded a vote of thanks to the visitors.
Argus (Melbourne), 15 November 1930.

CHILTERN.—- To commemorate Major Mitchell's crossing of the Black Dog Creek, near the Chiltern Valley mine dumps, on 16th October, 100 years ago, a monster picnic will be held at Orange-grove, Chiltern Valley, and a turkey supper and dance in the school room at night. 
Age (Melbourne), 12 October 1936.

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