Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE BLOOM OF BRITISH SAILS
When the American War of Independence disrupted the transportation of convicts to North
America, Britain lost its main dumping ground for undesirables and needed somewhere
else to put them. Joseph Banks, who had been Lieutenant James Cook's scientific leader
during the expedition in 1770, piped up with the suggestion that Botany Bay would be a
fine new site for criminals.
EARLY DAYS
The early days of the colony weren't for softies - the threat of starvation hung over the settle-
ment for at least 16 years. The Second Fleet arrived in 1790 with more convicts and supplies.
A year later, following the landing of the Third Fleet, Sydney's population had swelled to
around 4000.
The 11 ships of the First Fleet landed at Botany Bay in January 1788 - a motley crew of
730 male and female convicts, 400 sailors, four companies of marines, and enough live-
stock and booze to last two years. Captain Arthur Phillip, eager to be the colony's first gov-
ernor, didn't take to Botany Bay's meagre natural supplies. He weighed anchor after only a
few days and sailed 25km north to the harbour Cook had named Port Jackson, where he
discovered a crucial source of fresh water in what he called Sydney Cove (Circular Quay).
The day was 26 January 1788, now celebrated as Australia Day (many Aborigines refer to
it as 'Invasion Day' or 'Survival Day').
Convicts were put to work on farms, roads and government building projects, but
Governor Phillip was convinced that the colony wouldn't progress if it relied solely on con-
vict blood and sweat. He believed prosperity depended on attracting free settlers (to whom
convicts would be assigned as labourers) and on the granting of land to officers, soldiers
and worthy emancipists (convicts who had served their time). In 1791 James Ruse was the
first former convict to be granted land by Governor Phillip; he was given 12 hectares as re-
ward for his successful work in agriculture.
