HISTORY

In 1814 Govenor Macquarie instructed Surveyor George William Evans to inspect the area south-west of Bathurst. He camped at the base of Mount Macquarie of the fertile hills and valleys of what is now known as Carcoar. Thomas Icely took possession of a land grant of 560 acres in 1829, Coombing Park. In 1838 he requested the Surveyor General to establish the town of Carcoar to provide law, order and services for the district. The town was officially gazetted on 29^th August, 1839. The first allotments of land were sold in 1840/41.

Initially the main source of income was agriculture but minerals such as iron ore, cobalt and copper soon began to add to the wealth of the district. Gold was discovered in the 1850s and businesses began to flourish.

By 1850 Carcoar was the most populous town, next to Bathurst, west of the Blue Mountains and three coaches per week ran between these towns.

It was during the 1860’s that bushrangers took an interest in Carcoar and surrounds. In 1863 Johnny Gilbert and John O’Meally, members of the Gardiner/Hall bushranging gang, attempted Australia’s first daylight bank robbery at the old Commercial Bank in Belubula Street. (this building still stands today as a private residence).

The Municipality of Carcoar was formed in 1879 and the first Mayor was Barnard Stimpson.

The Blayney – Cowra rail line was completed in 1888 making life easier for the resident of the area.

The rail line has now closed and the Mid Western Highway has by-passed the town. This together with other factors, such as the closure of the Court House, have led to the gradual decline of Carcoar as a major centre. As a result Carcoar has become “the town that time forgot”. Carcoar is one of Australia’s most beautifully preserved historic villages.