Heritage Building, Caltowie
Historical
CALTOWIE
During the 1860s, Caltowie became
an overnight camping place for bullock
teams hauling timber from the forest at
Wirrabara to the Burra copper mines.
Bullocks would be watered at the
Yackamoorundie Creek and teamsters
would have a cool drink themselves.
No wonder the township was initially
known as Carcowie, the Aboriginal name
for ‘lizard’s water hole’.
While the local pub closed for meals
and drinks in 2016, comfortable airconditioned overnight accommodation
in the pub is still available – call Phil
Dickins on 0488 902 136.
A short walk around the town will reward
you with a glimpse into the town’s
thriving past.
Marvel at the beautiful stone homes
and buildings that remain from the
early 1900s when Caltowie was home
to nearly 600 residents and a host of
thriving businesses including a flourmill,
chaff mill, machinery manufacturer, three
general stores, and two hotels.
A great little playground and public
toilets are convenient on the main road
through Caltowie.
Caltowie lays claim to being the
birthplace of SA’s ‘brothers of invention’.
Don and Ted Both, whose inventions
of the portable iron lung and portable
humidicrib saved countless lives. Learn
much more about their incredible
inventions at the Jamestown National
Trust Museum.
If you are interested in native flora, head
just west of the town to the Caltowie
cemetery, where indigenous species
flourish.
www.visitjamestown.com.au
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