Port Arthur- A Australian Convict Site

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What is Port Arthur Known For?

Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site often known as Australia’s most preserved convict settlement. Today Port Arthur is an open air museum that exhibits the country’s past history as well as foundational stories of the State.

Located in southern Tasmania, Australia, Port Arthur is a 19th century old building contains ruins of the penitentiary and the remaining shell of the Convicts Church. Today it is used as a symbol of Australia’s most important heritage destination and one of the great places to learn about Australia’s colonial past history. Let’s discuss further more about Port Arthur.

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History of Port Arthur

Port Arthur is an iconic historical architecture containing a past story of Australia. Region blessed by the greater history of the region’s inhabitants. Shore of Sabine Lake has once been occupied by the Atakapas (an American Indian tribe) for more than 1,500 years.

But in the late 1700’s onwards the region started being controlled by the Europeans. Port Arthur initially started as a small timber station in 1830, during the time of colonial periods. Once the region got popular, slow transportations and other economic activities took place. During the 1850 to 60’s onward it was considered as one of the most economically stable regions.

In 1898 Port Arthur started welcoming railways and trade and tourism. Interesting element is that during 1899, the region opened a new port for shipping arrivals with British steamer Saint Oswald. In the same year, John W. Gates made a promising improvement in the region and he tried to build official towns, railways and infrastructures.

Early 1990s region witnessed major oil and petrochemical industries and served as a major oil base in Australia. Gulf Oil Corp. 1901 and Texaco in 1902, both initial oil and petrochemical industries started here.

Before 1840, Port Arthur was used as a prison and house for hundreds of convicts in dormitories and solitary cells. Home for severe physical punishment and convict of church.

Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of prison, punishments, and a flour mill and timber station. But later onwards it was converted as a place of leisure and opportunity. Today it serves as Australia’s one of the iconic heritage sites to know the country’s colonial history and tragic past.

10 Interesting Fact about Port Arthur

Port Arthur is an 18th century Australian convict site. Total 11 remnant penal sites were built in Port Arthur and an open air museum that exhibits the country’s past history.

Port Arthur was once used as a prison. The shape of the prison is in symmetrical mode, built in 1853.

Used as a strict Penal colony from 1833 to 1877. Yes, the port was recognised as Australia’s largest penal colony, where those who were against British colonies were sent.

A World Heritage Site. In 2010, Port Arthur recognised for its historical significance as one of the Australian Convict Sites.

Home to more than 2000 convicts, soldiers and free officers including their family members.

Port Arthur is named after Governor George Arthur. Person who was a major influencer and instrument of its development.

Used for diverse manufacturing sections. Port Arthur was used for shoemaking, black smithing, timber, brick making, and ship building manufacturing sections.

More Scenic Location. Since Port Arthur nestled in the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, it offers more panoramic views of the coastal views and surrounding rugged landscapes.