Built in 1851, Uley Chapel was once a central place of worship for the local Baptist community. Fire followed by years of vandalism in the late 70s and early 80s led to the Chapel being demolished. The front boundary wall of the cemetery today was built using stone from the original chapel. Early pioneers such as Garlick, Barritt, Bowman, Ifould, and McKenzie are buried here, preserving a quiet piece of One Tree Hill’s early history.

Built in 1856 from local stone, this historic schoolhouse stands as a lasting reminder of early rural education. For more than a century, generations of children learned their lessons in this single classroom, often balancing schooling with the demands of farm life. The school remained in operation until 1971 and today stands as one of the region’s oldest surviving public school buildings, offering a tangible link to the past

Originally the name One Tree Hill referenced a single hill on which a huge gum tree stood. The site that the original “One Tree” is thought to have once stood is opposite to that of the Old One Tree Hill Inn on Blacktop Road. Although the original tree was lost by the late 1800s, a circle of five trees was later planted around its old stump to mark the historic spot.

When One Tree Hill lost its original recreation ground at Sampson’s Flat, local resident Lachlan McGilp generously donated over 5 acres of his own land to the community. In his honour, the new reserve was named McGilp Recreation Park. Officially opened with a lively cricket match between the "Old U’s" and "Young Uns", the day also featured music and a community lunch.

The One Tree Hill Institute was built in 1906 after years of community fundraising and planning. Officially opening in 1907 costing £687 (including a piano and furniture) the Institute continues to serve the One Tree Hill community today under the care of the Playford Council and the One Tree Hill Progress Association.

In 1851 an Act to promote Education in SA, was created. Precolumb School opening in 1855, was one of the first schools in SA. John Sampson, an early settler in One Tree Hill, donated the land for the school, this single-room building also served as a church and community hall for the local commuinty. It ran privately until 1876 and closed in 1938, with students transferring to Uleybury School.