c. 1872, Photograph, B 69996/15
A note on the back of the photograph reads 'Members of the Overland Telegraph Party at Roper River, 1872. Left to right: J.A.G. Little, R.C. Patterson, Charles Todd and A.J. Mitchell. Todd (later Sir Charles Todd) was one of the great men of South Australian history. The telegraph lines which he built linked Adelaide with Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Darwin (and hence by cable with the rest of the world). Todd was the first man to pioneer the centre after Stuart's first crossing to Darwin. Alice Springs (on the Todd River) was named after his wife. This photograph, taken by Captain Sweet, is a brilliant example of early photography in Australia and is reproduced by courtesy of the South Australian Archives'.