Historical Events tagged with "hobart"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of Lake Illawarra with Tasman Bridge

January 5th, 1975 50 years ago

A bulk ore carrier named Lake Illawarra collided with the Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Tasmania, which led to a significant disaster resulting in the deaths of twelve people. The incident occurred when the vessel, navigating the Derwent River, struck one of the bridge's main piers. This disastrous collision caused a section of the bridge to collapse into the water, tragically taking the lives of motorists traveling across at the time.

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Natural Disasters

Last Thylacine Dies in Hobart Zoo

September 7th, 1936 88 years ago

The last known thylacine, a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, died alone in its enclosure at the Hobart Zoo. Named Benjamin, he was captured in 1933 and became a star attraction at the zoo. His death raised awareness of the species' decline, which was largely due to hunting and habitat destruction. Benjamin's solitary existence in the zoo highlighted the tragic fate of his kind, pushed to the brink of extinction.

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Politics & Government

Founding of Hobart, Tasmania

October 9th, 1804 220 years ago

Hobart was established in 1804 as a penal colony, founded by Lieutenant-Governor David Collins and a group of convicts and free settlers. Located on the estuary of the Derwent River, the settlement was intended to provide a base for the British to prevent further convict escape and control trade in the region. The settlers faced numerous challenges, including food shortages and conflicts with indigenous populations. Nonetheless, Hobart grew rapidly, becoming the second oldest city in Australia and a focal point for development in Tasmania.

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