American River is located on the east of the island and is surounded by Gum and Sheoak. Like Penneshaw it was discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802 as he sailed along the coast.

It was while he was here for a number of months that he built the Independence using local timber and hence the township acquired its name later on. In the early 1840s a man called Frank potts arrived and stayed for five years. he then decided to leave and it wasn't until the 1950s that John Buick and his wife arrived on the scene, constructing the first home of the town that was to develop thereafter. The post office opened in 1890, a telephone service came into operation in 1910 and electricity sent its first volt down a cable on the island in 1966.


Natural Attractions

Along the coastal part of the town there are barbecue facilities which provide ideal spots for an enjoyable picnic. There is an abundance of widlife in the area with all sorts of birds plus wallabies and a variety of other night time loving creatures to be seen around the place if you take a stroll after dark. The flora is another attractive aspect of American River. There are numerous species of wattle, fabulous freesias (in August) and a whole array of wonderful wildflowers to be seen.

Other Attractions

A day trip to Mt Thisby is possible. It is south west of American River. This hill, which had been named Prospect Hill by Flinders when he came across it, offers those who follow the steps to the very top a worthwhile reward with breathtaking vistas of the Southern Ocean, Pelican Lagoon and the rest of the surrounding countryside.

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