Hobart was founded on the banks of the Derwent River in what is now Tasmania, Australia, as part of British colonial expansion in the early 19th century. The founding of Hobart was led by Lieutenant-Governor David Collins, who sought to establish a penal settlement to alleviate overcrowding in British prisons. Collins and his group of around 300 people, including convicts, free settlers, and military personnel, arrived in the region faced immediate hardships such as inadequate provisions, harsh weather conditions, and natural challenges in the lush, but rugged terrain. Because of these challenges, the settlement struggled with food shortages and climbed into immediate conflict with the local Indigenous populations. As the colony developed, it attracted additional settlers looking for land and opportunity. The strategic location along the river also made it an ideal spot for trade and shipping, contributing to its growth. By the end of the first decade of the 19th century, Hobart was rapidly becoming a bustling settlement, providing the British Empire with an important foothold in the Southern Hemisphere and marking a significant moment in Tasmanian history. Through the following years, Hobart transformed from a small penal colony to a thriving urban center. It became a central hub for the whaling and timber industries, contributing to its economic expansion. The architecture, culture, and landscape of Hobart began to take shape, establishing a unique identity that continues to evolve today. The establishment of Hobart set the stage for future development and expansion in Tasmania, impacting the Indigenous cultures, local economies, and the trajectory of Australia's colonial history.