The story of the Railway and how it shaped Middlemarch

The railway was the catalyst for the birth of Middlemarch township. Garthmyl owner Edward Humphreys surveyed, developed and sold the original residential sections during the 1880s, in the knowledge that the railway line was under construction and would soon reach Strath Taieri and beyond.

Mr Humphreys’ foresight paid off. When the railway reached the new settlement in 1891 there was already a small township populated with folk keen to conduct business and fulfil the need for workers that the rail traffic would generate.

From when the line to Middlemarch was opened in 1891, The railway was pivotal to the growth and prosperity of the township and district, not only for the freight and passenger services it provided, but for the work it provided, directly and indirectly. The railway brought many individuals and families to the district, boosting the school roll, the prosperity of the business community, and enriching the culture of the community.

The museum has an impressive collection of railway memorabilia and archival material, indeed two of the museum’s rooms are repurposed railway vans.