John Watts, a pioneer squatter, describes murders of both Europeans and Aboriginal people in southern Queensland in the 1840s but is his story true?

The occupation of inland Australia by squatters was based on the concept of terra nullius, thus requiring no treaties or agreements with the Aboriginal people and making some squatters, like John Browne, very wealthy

Captain Scott and Tinker Campbell were two squatters on the McIntyre whose different attitudes towards the local Aboriginal people affected their success as squatters.

This episode is the back story of Jonathan and Margaret Young prior to the murders by James Mark on their property.

This episode is the back story of James and Mary Mark prior to the murder of James’ son, John by the Bigambul.

Shortly after James Mark arrived at Goodar, his son was murdered by the Bigambul and then Mark took revenge.

After the murder of James Mark’s son, James and his gang took revenge on the local Aboriginal people, who then responded by murdering some Europeans.

Commissioner Bligh investigated the murders but the trial was corrupted and no convictions were recorded.

Following the failure of the legal system, Frederick Walker and the Native Police were sent to the McIntyre to achieve peace and order.

The aftermath of the occupation of the McIntyre by squatters was that the Bigambul were decimated and squatters prospered.

Despite warrants for his arrest, James Mark avoided capture and lived a long life in Queensland and New South Wales.

Over the past 170 years, the story of the Mark’s Murders has been told in many different ways.