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Melbourne, the Capital of Port Phillip, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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Melbourne, the Capital of Port Phillip, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Melbourne, the Capital of Port Phillip, 1850. In the foreground...are some specimens of the vegetation of the country; with a native wigwam, bundles of spears, and the aborigines practising with their hunting and war implements. The lofty point...is Mount Macedon; next is Flag-staff Hill, to signalise arrivals in the Bay...Upon the river (Yarra-Yarra, or Ever-flowing) are steamers...which attest the commercial activity of the place. Some twelve years ago, the land on which a city now stands was a wilderness...inhabited by innumerable tribes of savages...What has not been achieved in this once barbarous region by England's indomitable and noble spirit of enterprise! Perhaps, in no portion of the globe has so gigantic an effort at colonization been crowned with so signal and speedy a triumph as in the erection of Melbourne, with a population of at least 15, 000 souls'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36214227
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Aboriginal Aborigine Aborigines Colonisation Colony Imperialism Melbourne Victoria Australia Port Shelter Townscape Estuary Humpy Yarra
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print of Melbourne, the Capital of Port Phillip in 1850, offers a glimpse into the bustling city's early days. The detailed engraving showcases the vibrant landscape with native vegetation, aboriginal wigwams, and tribespeople practicing their hunting and war skills. In the background, Mount Macedon and Flag-staff Hill stand tall as landmarks overlooking the Yarra-Yarra River where steamers signify the city's growing commercial activity.
The image captures a pivotal moment in history when Melbourne transformed from a wilderness inhabited by indigenous tribes to a thriving colonial settlement with a population of over 15,000 souls. The caption from "Illustrated London News" praises England's spirit of enterprise for achieving such rapid colonization success in this once barbarous region.
As we admire this black and white snapshot from the 19th century, we are reminded of Melbourne's rich heritage shaped by British colonialism and indigenous culture. The print serves as a testament to the monumental effort that went into building this cityscape from scratch, showcasing how far Melbourne has come since its humble beginnings. It is truly remarkable to witness such progress unfold through this historical lens captured by an unknown creator.
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