1829- The Colonisation of Perth/The Swan River Colony
Captain James Stirling
Captain James Stirling was the first governor of Perth, he arrived in Perth waters on the 31 of May 1829 on the Parmelia along with his family and his party. Due to bad weather Stirling and his party reached the mainland on 18th June. Stirling declared the Swan River Colony as owned by Britain.
|
Early Settlement
Since Captain James Stirling arrived on the Parmelia 21 ships carrying settlers arrived on the shore of the Swan River Colony. England didn't even hear any reports on the settlement until late 1830, 1 1/2 years after settlement. John Butler established a 250 acre farm in what is now Peppermint Grove. This farm extended to an area that became known as Butler's Swamp. The family operated the "Bush-Inn" at Butler's Swamp from 1830. This was a half-way point on the track between Perth and Fremantle. The geography of Perth was different at this time and near the British colony aborigines had used the land around the Swan river for settlement, hunting and as a water source. This was the beginning of the Whadjuk being moved off their land. |
Foundation of The Swan River Colony
The foundation of Perth was officially celebrated in august 1829 the cutting down of the Meoak tree. Hellen Dance stood in for Ellen Mangles (wife of James Stirling) and took the honours in cutting down the tree. Volleys were fired and speeches given to celebrate the foundation of Perth and the celebration of King William IV's birthday.
Walk the city as it was: www.perth.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/This%20city%20is%20Wadjuk%20country.pdf Mary Ann Friend's letters back home: slwa.wa.gov.au/find/eresources/mary_ann_friend_journal |