Ross - Midlands, Tasmania.
Rich in colonial history and architecture, Ross sits adjacent to the Midland Highway 79 Kilometres south of Launceston and 120 Kilometres north of Hobart.
Originally surveyed by the then Government Surveyor Charles Grimes in 1807, the area was visited in 1811 by Governor Macquarie and named by him Argyle Plains.
In 1812 a garrison was established at the ford on the Macquarie River as settlers, attracted by good quality land and a reliable water supply, moved in. Over the years the site continued to develop, becoming an important live-stock market and coach stop on the route between Launceston and Hobart and in 1821 the settlement was proclaimed and named Ross.
The military played a big part in the development of Ross for many of its early years and a number of the buildings on display today have military origins. Several streets in the town are named after battles of the Napoleonic Wars in which many members of the garrison saw service. By 1831 that garrison comprised one officer, one sergeant and eighteen soldiers.
Significant buildings include the historic Ross Bridge construction of which began in the early 1830’s on the orders of Lieutenant Governor Arthur after the original earthen covered bridge was washed away by floods. The Ross Bridge is unique amongst early colonial architecture because of its 186 individually carved arch stones, one of which is thought to be a self portrait of the convict stone-mason Daniel Herbert.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Ross
Ross - Midlands, Tasmania
