-
35,000 BCE
Aborigines Inhabit Tasmania
-
Captain Cook
Claimed Australia for Britian -
First British Settlement of Tasmania (then Van Diemans Land) arrives at Risdon Cove
Lieutenant John Bowen's 49-member party, with the ships Lady Nelson and Albion land at Risdon Cove and name it Hobart. -
Settled Sullivans Cove
The main settlement was moved to Sullivan’s Bay to create what is now Hobart, leaving about 70 at Risdon Cove — some free settlers who had farms, some convicts, and a party of 15 soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Moore of the New South Wales Corps. -
Risdon Cove Massacre
About 300 Aboriginals approached the Risdon Cove settlement when hunting for kangaroos. The Aborigines where angered by the presence of the settlers, The soldiers were ordered to fire a cannon in an attempt to disperse the Aboriginals. The Aboriginals were also fired upon and there was a high number of deaths. The Aboriginals carrying waddies (clubs) tried to fight back. -
Black Wars
Clashes between Tasmanian Aboriginals and European settlers lasted 7 years and decimated the aboriginal population. Settllers had been progressively taking over native hunting grounds.
The settlers harassed the Aboriginals commiting kidnapping, rape, and murder. The Aborigines attempted to fight back with attacks on isolated individuals and small groups. -
Relocation to Flinders Island
Over a four year period the remaining Aborigines, fewer than 200 were relocated to Flinders Island. -
Truganini
The last full-blooded Aborigine, a woman called Truganini, died on Flinders Island. -
Transfer of Risdon Cove
As part of the Aboriginal Lands Bill,the Risdon Cove site, which includes the Bowen Memorial, was handed back to Tasmanian Aboriginals. -