Hills History — Jottings from Henty's Early Settlers and Exploits of Bushranger Morgan

The first settlers in the Henty district arrived amidst the exploits of the bushranger Morgan, who famously shot Sergeant Smythe at the site of the present Henty Rifle Range. The name “Henty” is believed to be derived from Henry Henty, one of the first landowners.

In 1886, a township was surveyed. The first buildings included H. Rosler’s store, H. Voss’s store, C.F. Haberecht’s blacksmith shop, and Kierath’s hotel. Sergeant Walker was the first permanent policeman, stationed in 1900.

Early settlers faced severe drought, notably from 1869 to 1871, when kangaroo meat was often the only food available. The district was once home to large mobs of brumbies on Wallandool Station, and young men would catch and train the foals.

Researched by Fiona Beckett Source: Henty Observer, October 1948