Van Diemen's Land
Van Diemen's Land was the colonial name of the island of Tasmania used by the British during the European colonization of Australia in the 19th century. A British settlement was established in Van Diemen's Land in 1803 before it became a separate colony in 1825. Its penal colonies became notorious destinations for the transportation of convicts due to the harsh environment, isolation and reputation for being inescapable. Macquarie Harbour and Port Arthur are among the most well-known penal settlements on the island.
| Van Diemen's Land | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Crown Colony | |||||||||
| 1825–1856 | |||||||||
1828 map | |||||||||
| Anthem | |||||||||
| God Save the King/Queen | |||||||||
| Capital | Hobart | ||||||||
| Demonym | Van Diemonian (usually spelt Vandemonian) | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• 1851 | 70,130 | ||||||||
| Government | |||||||||
| • Type | Self-governing colony | ||||||||
| Monarch | |||||||||
• 1825–1830 | George IV | ||||||||
• 1830–1837 | William IV | ||||||||
• 1837–1856 | Victoria | ||||||||
| Lieutenant-Governor | |||||||||
• 1825–1836 | Sir George Arthur first | ||||||||
• 1855–1856 | Sir Henry Young last | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
• Independence from the Colony of New South Wales | 3 December 1825 | ||||||||
• Name changed to Tasmania and self-rule | 1856 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Today part of | Australia | ||||||||
1852 map of Van Diemen's Land | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Ocean |
| Coordinates | 42°00′S 147°00′E |
| Area | 68,401 km2 (26,410 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 1,614 m (5295 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Ossa |
| Administration | |
Australia | |
| Largest settlement | Hobart Town |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 70,130 (1851) |
| Pop. density | 1.03/km2 (2.67/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | European Australians, Aboriginal Tasmanians |
With the passing of the Australian Constitutions Act 1850, Van Diemen's Land (along with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia) was granted responsible self-government with its own elected representative and parliament. On 1 January 1856, the colony's name was officially changed from Van Diemen's Land to Tasmania. The last penal settlement in Tasmania was closed in 1877.