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Why is Ravenswood Called Ravenswood?

Published in Place Name Origin 1 min read

Ravenswood derives its name from an historic property established in the area during the 1840s.

The Origin of the Name

The name 'Ravenswood' traces its roots back to an early landholding in the region. In the 1840s, a significant property was taken up by Adam Armstrong in this area. This substantial landholding became known as "Ravenswood Farm." As the region developed and a townsite was later established, the prominent and recognized name of Armstrong's farm was adopted for the new community, thereby giving the town of Ravenswood its distinctive identity.

Location and Historical Context

The townsite of Ravenswood is situated in the south-west region of Western Australia, approximately 83 km south of Perth and 8 km south-east of Mandurah. It lies on a notable bend of the Murray River, a geographical feature that likely contributed to its early settlement. The decision to name the town after Armstrong's farm reflects a common historical practice in colonial Australia, where significant early properties or pioneering families often lent their names to emerging settlements.