Murray Bridge Rural City Local History
Murray Bridge Rural City is located in the south-east of South Australia, approximately 75 kilometres east-southeast of the state's capital city, Adelaide.
The area now known as Murray Bridge was originally inhabited by the Ngarrindjeri people, who lived along the Murray River for thousands of years prior to European settlement.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-1800s, when explorers Charles Sturt and Thomas Burr discovered the area while navigating the Murray River.
The town of Murray Bridge was founded in 1879, with the construction of the first road bridge over the Murray River. Originally named Edwards Crossing, the town was renamed Murray Bridge in honour of the bridge that connected the two sides of the river.
By the early 1900s, Murray Bridge had become a thriving railway town, with multiple railway lines connecting the town to other parts of South Australia and interstate. The town also had a strong agricultural industry, with farmers producing crops such as wheat, barley, and oats, as well as raising livestock such as cattle and sheep.
In 1924, the Murray Bridge district was officially proclaimed a municipal area, and the town became known as the Rural City of Murray Bridge in 1997.
During the mid-20th century, Murray Bridge continued to grow and prosper, with new industries such as manufacturing and tourism emerging. The town also became a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with the Murray River providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water skiing.
In recent years, Murray Bridge has continued to evolve, with a focus on attracting new industries and businesses to the area. The town now boasts a diverse economy, with industries including food processing, advanced manufacturing, and construction.
Today, Murray Bridge Rural City is home to a population of approximately 20,000 people, and is a vibrant and dynamic community with a rich history and a bright future.