William Westwood, also known as Jackey Jackey (1820-1846)(bio here) and the 'Terror of Argyle" John Tennant (post here) were the best known bushrangers of the Limestone Plains and Monaro district, however many more were terrorising the fledgling settlements of the plains.
The Courier - 3 August 1841
Clipping National Library of Australia (here)
An encounter with a bushranger in the neighborhood of Paddy's River (southern ACT) where the Goulburn Mail coach was held up in 1841. The bushranger got more than he bargained for however. (below)
The Courier - 3 August 1841
Clipping National Library of Australia (here)
Mr J. laments that the interior is "infested" with bushrangers (below).
The Sydney Herald - 20 June 1836
Clipping national Library of Australia (here)
The selling of illicit (illegal) spirits (alcohol) is ever present.
The Sydney Herald - 6 July 1837
Clipping National Library of Australia (here)
Mr S., a squatter on the Menaroo (Monaro Plains) after reporting the agricultural situation of the New South Wales Government crown land "beyond the limits of location". He makes a plea for measures to ensure the settlers safety as "Englishmen" and describes the Menaroo as a "nest of villains".
The Sydney Herald - 28 November 1838
Clipping National Library of Australia (here)
The Maneroo Map (pan out)
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Good post, very interesting. I have often wondered why the name Bushranger came into being instead of keeping with Highwayman. The Ranger then and now was law enforcement.
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When you put it like that "bushranger" is an oxymoron. Captain Thunderbolt was known as the Gentleman Bushranger, the last of the professional highwaymen. Perhaps they should just have been called outlaws Le Loup.
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