History of Hobart
An attractive city, flanked by the calm waters of the Derwent River, Hobart has the magnificent background of Mount Wellington. Amid the flurry of a modern city are National Trust classified buildings, guaranteeing the conservation of much old-world charm and a palpable sense of history.
A sailors paradise
Lieutenant John Bowen first settled Hobart in 1803, and it became Australia's second oldest capital city. In fact, Bowen founded his settlement on the eastern seashore, north of where today's city is located. This location, Risdon Cove, however, proved to be unsuitable, so the settlement was relocated to Sullivans Cove three years later, where today's city is located.
Hobart's first building is no longer standing, but the first docks can still be seen. Hobart became a key naval base for the British navy and a busy port for the transport of supplies. In the middle of the 19th century, the 'new docks' were built at Salamanca Place, and these warehouses now make up an important part of the city's cultural centre.
In the 19th century, Hobart had a reputation as a fairly unruly town. Visiting sailors could enjoy lots of entertainment including Australia's oldest operating theatre and a lively waterfront area called Wapping. On account of raging venereal disease, the town was at one point at risk of being blacklisted for sailors of the British Navy, but the establishment clamped down on the excesses, and the town kept on growing.
Industrialisation
In the 20th century, Hobart's expansion extended upriver with the founding of several key industries: the Boyer Newsprint mill at New Norfolk, Pasminco Electrolytic Zinc Co. on New Town Bay and the Cadbury's Factory at Austins Ferry. In the meantime, the district of Wapping became run down, while the areas south of the city became home to the wealthier families.
Disaster
The eastern seashore of the river was quite undeveloped, but the construction of the Tasman Bridge in 1964 sped up its growth. In 1975, a zinc freighter collided with the ninth span of the bridge, causing it to cave in and resulting in 12 deaths. This disaster was a major disruption to the city, and a number of ferry services were established to help commuters. The only other way across the river was a temporary bridge, close to Risdon Cove, which added 20kms to the trip. Ironically, the tragedy helped promote the growth of local businesses on the eastern coast.
Modern Days
Today, Hobart is less wild than its past, but nonetheless; it is a fairly busy town. The most recent problem has been the pollution of the River Derwent, which had been mistreated for many years by bad sewage treatment and industrial waste. Even though the up-river inlets are still polluted, recent improvements have transformed the river into a pleasant place once again.
