The opening of the railway at Inverell on November 25, 1901 was a grand day in the town’s history.
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The main streets were decorated with pine trees, paper ribbons and streamers for an exciting parade through the town to the railway.
Parliamentarians arrived on a train and after speeches, participated in a procession over the railway bridge to the showground for a day of sports. At last, Inverell had its long-awaited rail service.
From the early days, the transport of goods by horse and dray from Sydney, Newcastle or Maitland to and from the Inverell district was a time-consuming effort. A round trip could take three months depending upon the weather. When the rail line came north, trips were shortened considerably.
With the rapid expansion of services throughout NSW during the 1870s-80s, a line from Tamworth to Inverell was surveyed, much to the annoyance of Armidale district residents.
Argument continued until 1878 when it was decided the route would go towards Armidale due to distance and cost.
Local businessmen, farmers and graziers were keen for railway development through the northern part of the state and into Queensland, although some favoured a line to the coast via Glen Innes to Grafton.
Argument continued until 1878 when it was decided the route would go towards Armidale due to distance and cost.
Meanwhile, Inverell residents continued their efforts to obtain a rail service.
In 1892, a parliamentary committee met at Inverell with local people providing opinions about a rail link to Glen Innes. The committee wrote reports during the 1890s, then the NSW Parliament agreed to an extension of the railway from Narrabri to Moree and the idea of a line to Inverell was raised. Although the distance to Sydney would be longer, construction cost was estimated to be less and there was the potential for heavier loading.
Construction of the 154km line from Moree began in July 1898. Approximately 300 people were employed using horses and drays and a huge plough. A gang of 40 men cleared timber, and earthworks were done by horse-drawn scoops.
With the opening of the railway, Byron Street became more popular and transport of goods to and from Inverell improved. Following the closure of the line in 1987, the station building was relocated to Inverell Pioneer Village.