This cache comemorates this stretch of road, the initial inhabitants (Which for the most part had created the walking track the road is based on), the surveyors/explorers, and those who built it. Not much to see here, other than the cattle, horses and occasional Emu's that grace the paddocks. But lots of history...
In 1831, Robet Futter a Naval Lieutenant and landholder from Bungonia, and George Galbraith from Nerriga formed an expedition to find a road to the coast. The purpose was to provide goods, services and access from the inland districts (Braidwood) to the sea port at Jervis Bay. It was not until 10 years later however, that 70 convicts were assigned to build the road, with the work being completed eight months later in October.
Sassafras was settled by Europeans in 1856, following the development of “The Wool Road”. One of a number of ‘villages’ established every 10 to 15 Miles, to provide rest and relief for bullock teams passing through the area. Before long, Sassafras boasted boarding houses, inns, a school and a post office. The neighbouring forests were also able to support several sawmills, while the cleared lands provided winter relief for stock enroute from the inlands, and agistment for bullock teams.
It is also a little known fact that “Sassafras” was nominated as a potential site for our Nations Capital. Unfortunately, some bungling at the time of inspection meant that representatives were taken to the wrong location, and decided that the ‘proposed site’ was unsuitable. There was also discussion of an ‘Inland Railway Line’ in 1909, however that was not to proceed, due to a number of factors. The idea was discarded in 1948.
With the introduction of motor vehicles, bullock teams disappeared, while the area also suffered from a lack of investment. Over time, Sassafras returned to the peaceful bush location that it currently is.
Source: “Sassafras The Parish of Sixty Farms”. Author: Robert Sneddon.