Queen City of the North

Book excerpt: Thanks to its stature as the premier city of North Queensland, from as early as 1895 Townsville was known as the "Queen City of the North". This book is a leisurely stroll through some of the fascinating aspects of the Queen City's history since its settlement in 1864 as a port for the region's pastoral industry. From tragic tales such as the disappearance of the last lighthouse keeper at Bay Rock, the sinking of the SS Yongala, shark attacks in Ross Creek, and the destruction caused by floods and cyclones; to gun battles in the city streets over workers' rights, the bombing of the city during World War II, and a cast of colourful characters that shaped the city's fortunes; this book presents a remarkably vivid picture of life in early Townsville that will delight history lovers.