Northam History Timeline

Next to Fremantle, Northam has the most historical buildings in Western Australia.  Most of these buildings are located on the main street or close by, within walking distance to shops and other facilities.

Red brick is quite common in Northam and many buildings, including homes, are in the Federation style.  The number of hotels, homes and churches reveal the wealth that was abundant in the town during the gold rush era.

Northam won the railway line through to Kalgoorlie which meant that prospectors stocked up in Northam before proceeding on to the Goldfields.  Stores and Taverns flourished and the town’s population grew.  Prospectors would return to Northam during drought and sickness due to the hospital and abundant accommodation options.  The number of people and horses and the need for food meant that farming flourished and people began to settle around the town.  Before long, Northam’s population had exceeded that of the larger townsites. Schools grew in numbers and services were in demand.  Many people prospered during this time, building homes and establishing themselves in the town and its surrounds.

Running along Fitzgerald Street are monuments to historical figures, including a monument standing to celebrate Hugo Throssell, son of George Throssell.  Captain Hugo Throssell VC (26 October 1884 – 19 November 1933) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for British and Commonwealth forces.  He refused to leave his post at a critical moment while engaged in battle despite being wounded, thus keeping the moral of his men and assisting them in the fight.