Port Arthur ...the Penitentiary

Port Arthur, Tasmania

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January 18th 2015
Today we went down to the south east corner of Tasmania to Port Arthur where in 1830 the British opened a prison for men who had become repeat offenders following their transportation to Australia. In 1840 we had 2000 prisoners there. Transportation ended in 1853. Its a stark reminder of our 19th century judicial system. But for all its sad history it is in a beautiful setting and later buildings ... read more

Oceania » Australia » Tasmania » Tasman Peninsula

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Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name... ... read more