Broken Hill is referred to as the "unofficial center of the Outback" according to many various resources. It is located over 1100 km (roughly 684 miles) West of Sydney. It's a mining town that was established in 1883, when people discovered the surplus of zinc, lead and silver that was dispersed throughout a 7-km (4 miles for you Americans) "Line of Lode". The town soon boomed into a major mining industry. However, there were many hardships that came along with that title. Constant wind storms and poor living conditions raged within the town. Vegetation was often destroyed to better suit mines, which in turn led to more dust storms and the release of fumes.
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| Broken Hill in 1885 c/o http://www.flickr.com/photos/businesshistory/3759214532/ |
In 1888, 128 people in the town died due to shortage of food and water, which eventually led to disease. Four years later a company came in and constructed the Stephens Creek Reservoir, preventing the same epidemic to repeat itself. In the 1890's the town really boomed. Schools, roads, town halls were built, many houses and hotels were rebuilt in stone to withstand aging and harsh weather conditions. Tree's were planted, and recreation reserves were created.
Since then, Broken Hill has had better and worse days. Currently, they declining mining industry is still noticeable throughout the town. Pubs outnumber people more than any other city in the state of New South Wales, but they also have more than 20 art galleries, and reportedly over 2 million sheep (which is one of the more productive forms of income in the town) proving to be a city of great diversity.
For more information about the current and past Broken Hill check out Broken Hill's City Council Page
