Kingston Local History
Located on the banks of the River Derwent, Kingston is a town in the Australian state of Tasmania. The town is about 12 kilometres south of the state capital of Hobart and is part of the Kingborough Council local government area. The area surrounding Kingston is known for its picturesque scenery and rich cultural history. In this article, we will delve into the local history of the town of Kingston.
Indigenous History
The area surrounding Kingston has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, the land was occupied by the Mouheneener tribe. These people were semi-nomadic and relied on the abundant natural resources of the area, including the river, forests, and wildlife, for their survival.
European Settlement
The first Europeans to arrive in the Kingston area were a group of explorers led by Captain James Cook in 1777. However, it was not until the early 1800s that European settlers began to establish a permanent presence in the area. The first land grant was given to a man named Valentine Fleming, who named his property "Kingston" after the English town of the same name.
By the mid-1800s, Kingston had grown into a thriving community with a strong agricultural economy. Many of the settlers were convicts who had been transported to Australia as punishment for their crimes. These convicts were often assigned to work on the farms and estates of the wealthy landowners.
The Kingston Convict Trail
One of the most significant historical sites in Kingston is the Convict Trail, which was created by the convicts who were working on the roads in the 1800s. This trail is now a popular hiking destination and is considered an important part of Tasmania's convict history.
Kingston Beach
Kingston Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The area around the beach is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Kingston Beach Hall and the Kingston Beach Golf Club.
Historic Buildings
Kingston is home to a number of historic buildings, many of which were built during the town's early years. One such building is the Kingston Post Office, which was built in 1837. The post office is still in use today and is one of the oldest functioning post offices in Australia.
Other notable historic buildings in Kingston include the Old Kingston Gaol, which was used to house convicts in the early 1800s, and the Kingston Hotel, which was built in 1856 and is still operating today.
History of in Kingston
The town of Kingston has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. From the Indigenous Australians who first inhabited the area to the European settlers who established the town in the 1800s, Kingston has played an important role in Tasmania's cultural and economic development. Today, the town is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while looking towards the future.