TENTERFIELD Tenterfield is the most northern town encounted when traveling the New England Hgy before entering Qld. Tenterfield has much going for it. Heritage and real history whets the appetite. When visiting allow plenty of time. The Sir Henry Parke's Museum itself may take half a day. In 1841 Sir Stuart Donaldson was running 18,000 sheep on a property that he named Tenterfield Station, after a family home in Scotland. In 1858 gold was discovered at Drake (Fairfield) and shortly afterwards at Timbarra and Boonoo Boonoo Tenterfield's proximity to many regional centres and its position on the route between Sydney and Brisbane led to its development as a centre for the promotion of the federation of the Australian colonies. The Main North line is now closed north of Armidale and the Tenterfield railway station is now a museum. Sir Henry Parkes delivered his Federation Speech in the Tenterfield School of Arts on 24 October 1889. The speech is credited with re-igniting the debate that ultimately leading to Federation on 1 January 1901.  The entertainer Peter Allen, who was born in and spent much of his childhood in Tenterfield, where he lived with his grandfather George Woolnough (see below). Allen's grandfather, a saddler, the third person to own the saddlery and the subject of Allen's song "Tenterfield Saddler” The main town has many heritage buildings. Stannum House being a real classic and when visiting be sure to check out 'the house' tour times.Stannum House is quite beautiful and leaves one longing for that bygone era. The War Memorial is acknowledged at three locations. The Hall being quite an impressive building. The hotels in Tenterfield are a mix. The Royal being over 150 years old. The Tenterfield Museum is a must visit. Allow plenty of time to take in the significance for Australia. Be sure to read Henry Parke’s speech. The Anglican Church is near 100. The Catholic Church.and original The Presbyterian is also very old and hosted the marraige of Banjo Patterson.The United being a quite striking church. The Tenterfield War Memorial is acknowledged at three locations. When visiting be sure to allow a day or three to enjoy.