Adelaide

History

European settlement of South Australia had its origins in the theory of systematic colonisation proposed by Edward Gibbon Wakefield. He advocated settlement by ordinary citizens, that land should be sold in small lots (at a moderate fixed price and the funds raised used to support further colonisation), and some self-government allowed. His ideas led to the founding (1834) of the South Australian Association.

Related Topics:
Systematic colonisation - Edward Gibbon Wakefield - 1834 - South Australian Association

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South Australia was officially settled as a new British province on December 28, 1836 (now commemorated as a public holiday, Proclamation Day) and the site of the new city was surveyed and laid-out by Colonel William Light, the first Surveyor-General of South Australia. Light chose, not without opposition, a site on rising ground close to the River Torrens, which became the chief early water supply for the fledgling colony. "Light's Vision", as it has been termed, has meant that the initial design of Adelaide required little modification as the city grew and prospered. Usually in an older city, it would be necessary to accommodate larger roads and add parks, whereas Adelaide had them from the start.

Related Topics:
Province - December 28 - 1836 - Public holiday - Proclamation Day - William Light - River Torrens - Light's Vision

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Adelaide was established as the centre of a planned colony of free immigrants, promising civil liberties and freedom from religious persecution and as such does not share the convict history of other Australian cities, like Sydney and Hobart. Coincidental to that fact, the name Adelaide comes from the German words meaning “Noble Birth”.

Related Topics:
Planned colony - Convict - Sydney - Hobart

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