Journey Through Stone, A: The Chillagoe Story – the extraordinary history and geology of one of the richest mineral deposits in the world.

Author is Professor of Geology at the University of Melbourne. Chillagoe was named by William Atherton in 1888. The name is taken from the refrain of a sea shanty: Hikey, Tikey, Psyche, Crikey, Chillagoe, Walabadorie”.[3] James Mulligan had explored the area in 1873 and Atherton backed up his reports of rich copper outcrops in the area. Mining pioneer John Moffat sent prospectors to the field in 1888 and quickly monopolised the field. A receiving office opened in 1891 (with W. Atherton as Receiving Office Keeper) but closed in 1893. A post office opened in 1900 with F. Donner as the storekeeper and postmaster. The Chillagoe Railway and Mining Company’s line opened from Mareeba in 1901 and a Town Reserve was proclaimed 27 October 1910.[4]Chillagoe is sometimes remembered for its involvement in the Mungana affair