The history of this city goes back to a young Aboriginal boy named Jupiter Mosman, who is given the credit for first discovering gold near Towers Hill in late 1871. He came across the area after he had left the prospecting party he was with, in an effort to retrieve horses belonging to the group which had been frightened by lightning. It was in 1872 that the goldfields were proclaimed, being named Charters Towers after the mining warden, W.S.E.M. Charters. Charters Towers was declared a municipality in June of 1877 and in 1909 it was raised to the status of a city. The city was at one time the second largest city in the state of Queensland at the peak of its gold prospecting era.


Historical Buildings

There are many examples of the 'old world' style of architecture. Venus Battery was a crushing mill, processing much of the city's gold in its peak period at the turn of the century. It was in operation from 1872 up until as recently as 1980. It has been carefully restored by the National Trust and can be inspected by visitors. The Stock Exchange was built in 1887 originally as an arcade of shops known as the Royal Arcade. In 1890 the building was converted into the Stock Exchange. It was at one time the only stock exchange in Australia, but ceased trading in the late 1910s. It was lest to decay and finally restored by the National Trust to its original purpose as an arcade of shops. Other interesting buildings include the Bank of Commerce and the Post Office, both of which were built in the 1890s. There are also a number of lovely old houses, Pfeiffer House and Thornburgh House.

Museums

The Bruce Gordon Railway Museum, situated in Alan Oshyer Park on Millchester Road, has an interesting collection of railway artefacts. The Zara Clark Folk an Military Museum is itself housed in an historic building, previously known as the Bartlems Store. The museum visitors with a comprehensive view of the history of the city and the Dalrymple Shire. The early mining and transport items, the portrayal of domestic and farming activities of times past and the 500 historic photographs combine to make this museum a must for those interested in learning something of the local history.

Natural Attractions

One of the favourite spots for tourists is "The Red Falls", which is 88 km from Charters Towers on Lolworth Creek. The city has many parks. The Lissner Park is the major one and it has the Boer War Memorial Kiosk, Rotary Fountain, an animal enclosure and barbecue and picnic facilities. Rotary Lookout on Fraser Street overlooks Dalrymple Villa and from here fabulous views of Charters Towers can be experienced. Ay Ot Lookout is the former residence of an Englishman which was built in 1886. It was restored by Mount Leyshon Gold Mines Ltd. There is a certain amount of doubt which surrounds the original ownership of the home, but it is frequently called Foxlee's house named after a former owner who came from Ayot in England. Tours of the house are conducted Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm and these provide a comprehensive and informative history of the house.

Other Attractions

There are numerous festivals in the Charters Towers throughout the year. These include the Country Music Festival (May Day weekend), the Goldfield Ashes Cricket Carnival (Australia Day weekend), and the Charters Towers Show, which places the agricultural and mining industries on display (July/August).

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