Eldernell Hill, Hamilton, Brisbane, 1890 (Map of the Week)

State Library of Queensland has an extensive collection of historical maps of Queensland, some of which have been digitised and can be viewed online.

Plan of Eldernell Hill, Hamilton, Brisbane, 1890. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

This real estate map from 1890 advertises 118 allotments of land for sale at Eldernell Hill in the Brisbane suburb of Hamilton. There is a discrepancy between the map and newspaper advertisements for the sale, which report 140 allotments being available.

The map does not include street names, however by using McKellar's official map of Brisbane & suburbs (1895) as a guide the estate sits on Grays Road, Mullens Street, Prospect Terrace, Hanlon Terrace (now Eldernell Terrace), Markwell Street, Perry Street and Windermere Road.

Excerpt from Sheet 3: McKellar's official map of Brisbane & suburbs (1895). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Prior to the sale extensive publicity was published in Brisbane newspapers.

“Overlooking the Brisbane River, wending its serpentine course from the city till it empties itself in Moreton Bay, with steamers, sailers, and all sort of craft, coming backwards and forwards, presenting one of the pleasantest, most enlivening scenes imaginable. Along with this, the resident on Eldernell Hill can sit on his veranda and have a splendid view of Moreton Bay, islands, and shipping entering the bay. Now what could possibly surpass this?" (The Telegraph, January 29, 1890)

Advertisement, The Telegraph, January 29, 1890

The public auction was originally to be held at the ground on the afternoon of February 1, 1890, however the event was postponed due to "unfavourable weather". The auction was rescheduled for the following week, February 8. The results of the sale were published in the Brisbane Courier newspaper.

"Messrs Arthur Martin and Company, Limited report a successful sale at Eldernell on Saturday afternoon. The attendance was large, and bidding spirited, sixty-one allotments being disposed of at an average of slightly over £175 each. Total amount of sale, £10,682." (Brisbane Courier, February 10, 1890)

A higher resolution image of this map can be viewed and downloaded through our One Search catalogue.

Prints of this map are also available through the Library Shop.

You can browse a compendium of our previous maps of the week on our blog.

Myles Sinnamon – Engagement Officer, State Library of Queensland