[2] The town began as a goldmining settlement during the Victorian Gold Rush, the Post Office opening on 5 July 1865.

A large dredge, known as the Tronoh Monster, also worked extracting alluvial gold from the Ovens River flats.

It made slow progress along the river flats, eventually stopping when rock reefs were contacted at the base of the surrounding mountains.

In June the annual Harry T Ville and the Boys Blues Band concert is held at the old Chinese Hotel.

In November, the town hosts an annual Bluegrass convention, attracting some hundreds of performers and aficionados.