Welcome to Todd Memorial
Introduction | Special Dates | Centenary of Federation
Aboriginal Connections | Photo Gallery

Here on the highway, about one mile east of the site where the Overland Telegraph Line was finally joined, lies a fitting memorial to Charles Todd, post master general, superintendant of telegraphs and government astronomer of South Australia.

While the sweat and toil of so many including engineers, surveyors, explorers and labourers went into the building of the Overland Telegraph Line, the name that history knows and celebrates is Charles Todd.

Charles Todd did not erect any poles nor did he survey the route. He wasn't at Frew's Pond when the final join was made in August 22, 1872. But he planned, organised and supplied the eternal drive that carried the project through to its successful end. And he was honoured to send the first telegraphic message:

"We have this day, within two years, completed a line of communications two thousand miles long through the very centre of Australia, until a few years ago a terra incognita believed to be a desert..."

Todd's amazing mind could grasp the sheer magnitude of the 3200 km long project. He devised strict instructions; the type of wood to select for the poles; the size to shape them; the way to wire; the building of repeater stations; the sinking of wells; the care of animals; the discipline of the teams; the treating of Aboriginals; and the food rationing.

Yet he was not just a 'pen-pusher'. When problems in the north looked like ruining the project, Todd went north to take charge. Then after resolving the problems, rather than take the easy way home by ship, he set out on a four month journey overland to check the length of the line and to call on the line operators and maintenance men along the way. It was his acknowledgment of the heroics performed daily along the length of the 36,000 pole-long line.

Upon reaching Adelaide Todd was rewarded appropriately with a huge banquet and later, knighted for his extraordinary work.