The Archer Brothers (Charles and William) discovered the Alton Downs District on 8th May 1853. They had travelled from Eidsvold, followed the Dawson, and then the Dee to its head in the Dee Range. They obtained here a wonderful view of the Fitzroy River and Valley. Descending to the plain, they went N.N.W., discovering Gracemere Lagoon (where they later settled) and Pacey's Lagoon.

Continuing, they rode for 5 miles in a NW direction over some beautiful down ridges, from the top of the highest of which they took observations of surrounding landmarks. This ridge, which they called Downtop, is probably the one on which the cemetery is now located. 1.5 miles from this ridge in E.N.E. direction, they came to the river naming it the Fitzroy after the Governor. They followed down the river for about 3 miles, and found a large lagoon with a new kind of water lily growing on it. As the Lilly was pink in colour, they named the lagoon Pink Lagoon. This is no doubt the lagoon on the Angle Reserve.

In 1855, the Archer Bros. settled on the banks of Gracemere Lagoon and the Alton Downs District was part of the property they selected. A shepherd's outstation was built at Springdale, and these shepherds were no doubt the first settlers living in the district.

The Archer Bros. either relinquished or sold some of the land, because permanent settlers took up selections in the early 1860's.

The first was probably Mr. R. Duncan at Coolarah in 1863, followed by the Murray Bros. at Fitzroy Park in 1864, P.Murray at Pandora, MacGavin Bros. at Alton, R. Bond at Fotney Farm, H, Marsh at Camira, and W. Orr at Laurel Bank.

The place was first called The Agricultural Reserve. A Provisional School was opened in 1888, opposite the cemetery. The first teacher, Miss Mary Marsh, lived with her uncle at Alton. This coupled with the name of the type of country - Downs- gave the name Alton Downs to the school and subsequently the district.