A Brief History Settled in 1812, at a time when the area was known as Argyle Plains, Ross sits on the banks of the Macquarie River. It was originally established as a garrison, then laid out as a town, but not proclaimed as such until 1847. Following a visit by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1821, he officially named the area Ross, after the home of his friend H.M. Buchanan who lived in Scotland on Loch Lomond. Most of the Georgian buildings and architecture are well-preserved, with many of them of historic value. The Ross Bridge is the 3rd oldest in Australia. Under the commission of Governor Arthur, designer John Lee Archer completed construction of the sandstone bridge in 1836. It is adorned with unique carvings by convict, Daniel Herbert, who, once pardoned, married and lived in Ross, and is now buried here. The town was also home to the old female factory - a prison for women between 1847 and 1854. The female factory housed some 12000 female convicts during this period. The remains of the factory are open to the public. We're looking for a person or group to maintain and manage this website. We'll provide plenty of support and expert design and web hosting advice, if you'll provide the enthusiasm and local knowledge. It could even turn into an income generating venture. If you'd like further information, please contact us.