Following is the first in a regular series of columns exploring Tenterfield Railway Museum and its activities...
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In 1878 the town of Tenterfield had a population of 1500 people, a number that had doubled in the previous decade with farming, tin mining, and increased traffic into Queensland.
But what was sorely needed was a rail system to connect Tenterfield with the coast and Sydney.
On the night of the 15th of May 1878, legislation was passed and the Great Northern Line would now extend through from Tamworth to Tenterfield.
Another request by the residents was for the town to be the break in the gauge. This would have the added benefit of a larger rail yard, railway station and customs house. Also the idea of a rail line from the tablelands to the Clarence River was being mooted.
The last two requests were never fulfilled.
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Tenders for the station and other buildings were called on 31st December 1885 and the successful contractor, William Murray, was named in early February. As well as the station, the contract included the Station Master's house, goods shed, engine shed, pump house, coal stage, a 50-foot turntable pit as well as cattle and sheep races.
Tenders were also called for the construction of the line to Wallangarra.
On the 19th of October 1886, the Tenterfield Railway Station was officially opened. Auspicious guests at the opening included the Governor, Lord Carrington, and Lady Carrington.
Then 103 years later Tenterfield Railway Station closed. No longer was the Great Northern Line from Armidale to Tenterfield viable.
For over a hundred years passengers, cattle, sheep, and goods had been carried on this line to Queensland in the north and to southern stops as far as Sydney.
Sir Henry Parkes, Banjo Patterson and Peter Allen all rode the rails as well as so many locals. Two world wars saw troops and supplies use this line.
A century of rail history ended.
On the 18th of December 1991, former Station Master Max Cooper handed over the keys to the Station to Greg Arnold of the Tenterfield Railway Station Preservation Society.
Today the Preservation Society runs and maintains the Museum and its precinct, conserving the past and keeping the stories of the railway alive. Some of those stories we will share with you along with the history and future of this landmark of Tenterfield.