The Chapman River was discovered by Sir George Grey in 1839.

Michael Morrissey took up the first freehold land at Mt. Erin in 1860. The estate, located on Durawah Road Nanson, is still used today.

The first wheat was grown in 1872, adjacent to Nabawa Old Recreation Ground on Chapman Valley Road.

From 1863 - 1959 both lead and copper were mined in the Shire resulting in a surge in growth.

In 1870 an experimental coffee farm was established in the Shire. The "Coffee Pot" cottage at the base of the Moresby Ranges, stands today as a reminder.

1880 saw the first school opened in the Shire at Narra Tarra.

In 1889 the Mining Arms Hotel established as the first hotel in the Valley. The former hotel can be seen from opposite the tavern in Nabawa.

The Upper Chapman Roads Board (now Shire of Chapman Valley) was established in Nanson in 1901. The original Road Board Building, built in 1913, is listed on the State Heritage Register. Open on Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm, and Sundays from 1pm - 4pm.

The Chapman Research Station, originally a demonstration farm, was the first of its kind in the state opening in 1902.

1904 saw Nanson become the first gazetted townsite within the Shire. Much of the town's heritage and cultural beginnings can also be viewed at the Museum.

1910 - 1913 saw the railway from Geraldton to Yuna opened. Today the old wooden Railway Bridge at Nanson still exists.

The introduction of the railway brought about the construction of the Whelarra Dam in Yuna in 1913 through the use of horse and cart. The Dam is still in existence and can be viewed from Chapman Valley Road 4kms south of the Yuna townsite.

1914 saw the Narra Tarra township of Protheroe established 5kms south west of Nabawa to accommodate the lead miners.

The Shire had its first CWA centre opened in Yuna in 1932.