In 1878 the railway arrived, though it passed 6 km east of the established village to take advantage of the flatter ground. A new settlement began to gather around the track and, presumably, around Crawley's store and hotel. This stimulated local selection and development as it meant greatly enhanced regional access to the major market centres. In 1880 the railway sheds and workshops of Wagga Wagga were removed to the new site and a railway station was built in 1881. Initially known as Junee Junction, it was renamed 'Loftus' in 1883 after the current governor of NSW but was gazetted in 1885 as Junee in accordance with local usage. The town soon became one of the state's most important railway centres and it benefited from the consequent need for accommodation and railway repair facilities. Local government was established in 1886 and a courthouse was built in 1890.
