Roma, Queensland

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[077]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 105 x 152 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA street view of the early days of the town of Roma in Queensland. The view shows a wide cleared area with wooden houses running along the right hand side a solitary tree on the left.HistoryRoma was named in 1867 after Lady Diamantina Bowen (Contessa Diamantina di Roma) who was the wife of the first Governor of Queensland, George Bowen in 1867. It was the site of Australia's first oil and gas discoveries and its association with one of the greatest cattle rustling trials in Australia, that of Henry 'Harry' Readford in 1873. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.