 In 1892, the Cardwell Divisional Board built the Cardwell Divisional Board Hall (now heritage-listed) at 51 Victoria Street, Cardwell.At that time, Cardwell was regarded as the major town in the division (as reflected in the division's name).With the passage of the "Local Authorities Act 1902", Cardwell Division became the Shire of Cardwell on 31 March 1903.