Early Granite Kerb and Channel System, Cooktown

Cooktown’s early kerb and channeling is constructed in granite and sourced from various sites around the town. The earliest was laid in the ealry 1880s with granite cut from boulders found on Grassy Hill. The council operated a quarry in Hope Street during the 1890s which supplied some of the rock. During this decade and through to 1905, the stone kerbing was progressively installed in all the main streets. Streets receiving substantial storm water were fitted with large granite box culverts. The intersection of Adelaide and Hogg streets has an early stone-pitched dish drain. Essentially, the provision of hand hewn kerb and channeling illustrates the confidence and optimism of local business and civic leaders in the future of Cooktown in the late 19th century.