Sir Charles Todd

In 1855 Charles Todd arrived in the young colony of South Australia. He was 28 and his mind was full of the new sciences and technologies that were changing life in 19th century Europe. He had trained with the best at Greenwich in England and Australia; he was presented with a ‘blank canvas’ to implement his many ideas.

Until recently, he was best, and to many, only known for his work with the Overland Telegraph. Though this was a tremendous feat of management, its two years are but a short part of this man’s 50-year contribution to our national heritage.  However, lesser-known is the fact he worked with similar bright people in his colony and the others on the continent to establish the foundations of astronomy, meteorology, electrical engineering, timekeeping, surveying, telegraphy and an efficient postal system.