Airds sweeps upon the plains between Liverpool and Campbelltown, in the south west of Sydney. It was named by Governor Lachlan Macquarie during an inspection of the region in 1810. He wrote "I intend forming this tract of country into a new and separate district for the accommodation of small settlers, and to name it Airds, in honour of my dear good Elizabeth's family estate." His dear good Elizabeth was of course his wife, who was born upon the "Airds" estate in Appin, Argyllshire, Scotland. Macquarie was most impressed with the landscape adding "this is some of the best and finest country I have yet seen in the Colony".

Contingent upon Macquarie's proposal, the district of Airds initially consisted of wheat farms, and holdings also producing barley oats and maize. Dairy farms were soon to follow. However the distance from Sydney proved an obstacle to any initial concentrated development of the area. Prior to the construction of a rail line to Campbelltown in 1858, coach was the sole means of transportation; a journey likely to exceed 12 hours.

Airds boasted the properties of many renowned pioneer settlers, including Dr. W Redfern's "Campbellfield" estate, and Dr. Townson's "Varroville"; although it would be the prosperous Sydney businessman Thomas Rose, who would leave an indelible mark upon the area. Arriving in the district in 1818, Rose immediately recognised the necessity of a reliable water supply, and by 1825 had completed the construction of an artificial lake in the land below his homestead. But it was to be the latter construction of a windmill which raised him to prominence. Built in 1836 the windmill was comprised of sandstone which was quarried on his own property. Although he died the following year, his legacy remains today, providing much historical interest, and an emblem for Airds. The local Airds Historical Society claim the Mount Gilead Windmill is "the most fitting symbol or logo that could be chosen to represent the history and romance of our beautiful city."

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