Some of the important dates in Tasmania's history:
- 1642. Sighted by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. The island is named Van Diemens Land.
- 1772-1793. Various French and British explorers visit Van Diemens
Land, some going so far as to plant gardens.
- 1802. Spurred by rumour of impending French settlement, the
British governor sends a token landing party from Sydney to Port Dalrymple.
- 1803. The first permanent European occupation, with the British
settling at Sullivan's Cove.
- 1822. Britain begins transporting convicts to Van Diemens Land.
- 1825. The Van Diemens Land Company establishes the first notable
settlement on the north-west coast at Circular Head.
- 1825. Van Diemens Land becomes a semi-autonomous colony, instead
of being administered from Sydney.
- 1852. Gold discovered in the eastern part of the island.
- 1853. Transportation of convicts to Van Diemens Land ceases.
- 1856. Van Diemens Land is renamed to the present-day Tasmania and
given permission to form an elected government.
- 1871. Huge tin ore deposits discovered on the west coast;
subseqent discoveries lead to rapid exploration in that region.
- 1877. Port Arthur closes.
- 1901. Australian federation - Tasmania becomes a state in the new
Commonwealth of Australia.
- 1903. Women become eligible to vote.
- 1912. Roald Amundsen telegraphs from Hobart the news that he
successfully reached the south pole.
- 1914-1918. World War I.
- 1939-1945. World War II.
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Last reviewed 2006-08-06 12:44:23