Tour of Johnburgh today

In the late nineteenth century land was surveyed for settlement beyond Goyders Line. The Hundred of Oladdie was proclaimed in 1876 and wheat growers started to move into this semi desert area soon after. In 1879 the town of Johnburgh was surveyed with 144 town blocks although most were never purchased or built upon.

According to Goyder these areas were not suitable for wheat farming, but the government of the day ignored his advise. Drought in the early 1880’s did not deter many farmers who attempted to grow wheat for another 20 – 30 years. This included our relative Fredrick Hermann Arnold who farmed north of Johnburgh town from 1880 when he was just 18 years old. The ruins of the home where Harry and his family lived unto about the end of 1899 still exist. (pp 310 Changing Pastures )

Johnburgh, 33 kilometres north of Orroroo South Australia

Johnburgh Methodist manse.

Johnburgh Shop in front of the Manse

Johnburgh Hotel ruin