Timeline - Parkes Early History

• 1815 - Evans discovers and names the Lachlan River. Currajong is approximately 20 miles north of the Lachlan River where Forbes is now established.
• 1817 - Oxley and Evans survey along the Lachlan River, again passing near the area, with Oxley naming the now Bumberry Hills - "Croker's Range".
• 1817-25 - Wandering farmers started squatting in the Currajong area.
• 1835 - Mitchell came through the area on his way to explore the Darling River.
• 1836 - Squatting in the Currajong area became legalised.
• 1839 - First Licence of Depasture issued to Thomas Kite of Burrawang.
• 1848 - 1848 First of the 14 year land leases were taken out in area.
• 1861 - Gold discovered at Forbes
• 1862 - James Pugh won £500 reward for discovering gold (named the "Pioneer") at the Currajong Goldfields.
• 1863 - First official Post Office established - Billabong Post Office.
• 1863 - First church built at Currajong.
• 1866 - First land selection under the Robertson Act.
• 1871 - Second Gold rush with more gold found.
• 1872 - Bushman's Lead at Currajong found.
• 1873 - Henry Parkes visits, and town is officially named "Parkes".