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.

[Back to Tasmanian History questions]

Last reviewed 2006-08-06 12:44:23