queanbeyan became a township in 1838. there were about 50 people living there. some of the important historic buildings still standing were built in the early days. traces of gold were found in 1851. there were also some lead and silver mines. settlers were often robbed by bushrangers including john tennant, jacky jacky, frank gardiner and ben hall. in 1836, the government built a post office at queanbeyan.