Cooktown Post and Telegraph Office (former)

This building began its life as the Cooktown Post and Telegraph Office and was designed by Colonial Architect FDG Stanley. It was constructed in 1876-77, initially by local builder H J Meldrum. He disappeared mid-contract and is thought to have fallen overboard on a trip from Cooktown to Townsville. The contract was completed by John Sullivan in June 1877. The building served the local community for ten years before a new post and telegraph office was built. It was then used as residential accommodation for the post master and telegraph master for about four years, before being vacated in 1892. In December 1892, the town hall burnt down and the Cook Municipal Council subsequently occupied the former post office. The council formally acquired the building in March 1893. The Municipal Council became a Town Council in 1903 and remained so until 1932, when it became part of the Cook Shire. The building continues to be owned by the Cook Shire Council.