Establishment of Hobart as a Penal Colony
1804 · Hobart, Australia
Hobart was established as a penal colony.
The Departure of the First Fleet on May 13, 1787
On May 13, 1787, the First Fleet set sail from Portsmouth, England, marking the beginning of a pivotal chapter in the history of Australia and the British Empire. This expedition was a direct result of Britain’s efforts to find a solution to its overcrowded prison system following the loss of the American colonies, which had previously served as a destination for transported convicts.
Composition of the Fleet
The First Fleet consisted of 11 ships carrying over 1,400 individuals, including convicted criminals, marines, and their families. Specifically, the fleet comprised:
- Two Naval Escort Ships: HMS Sirius and HMS Supply.
- Six Convict Transport Ships: Alexander, Charlotte, Friendship, Lady Penrhyn, Prince of Wales, and Scarborough.
- Three Supply Ships: Borrowdale, Fishburn, and Golden Grove.
Leadership and Organization
Captain Arthur Phillip was appointed as the commander of the fleet and the first Governor of the proposed penal colony in New South Wales. Under his leadership, preparations were made to ensure the survival and establishment of the colony, including sourcing government provisions and supplies deemed necessary for the long voyage and subsequent settlement.
Purpose and Goals
The primary objective of the First Fleet was to establish a secure British presence in New South Wales, which had been claimed by James Cook in 1770. This endeavor served multiple purposes:
- Addressing the urgent need for penal reform by providing an alternative site for convict transportation.
- Securing Britain’s strategic and economic interests in the Pacific region.
Historical Context
The transportation of convicts became a pressing issue in England following the American War of Independence. Jails and hulks became overcrowded with petty criminals, a situation that spurred the British government to explore new territories for establishing penal colonies.
Aftermath and Significance
The decision to establish a penal colony in Australia had significant long-term effects. It laid the foundation for modern-day Australia, leading to the development of Sydney and eventual European settlement across the continent. The voyage arrived at Botany Bay on January 18, 1788, eventually leading to the founding of the Port Jackson settlement, known today as Sydney.
The departure of the First Fleet represents a significant event in British colonial history and marks the beginning of a complex narrative involving the indigenous populations and the new settlers that continues to be explored and understood today.