en.wikipedia.org
Melbourne's Founding Day
Curated by
cdteliot
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On August 30, 1835, John Batman, a controversial Australian explorer and entrepreneur, established the settlement that would become Melbourne, naming it after the British Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Despite Batman's complex legacy, the city he founded would grow to become one of Australia's largest and most significant urban centers.
Founders of Melbourne
en.wikipedia.org
John Pascoe Fawkner played a crucial role in the founding and early development of Melbourne alongside John Batman. While Batman negotiated the controversial land treaty, Fawkner's party aboard the Enterprize established the first permanent settlement on the banks of the Yarra River in August 1835
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. Fawkner quickly became an influential figure, opening Melbourne's first hotel and founding two early newspapers2
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. Despite not being the first to arrive, Fawkner's active role in establishing and promoting the settlement earned him recognition as one of Melbourne's founders1
. His efforts to develop civic institutions and his advocacy for the rights of disadvantaged people, particularly in land reform, further cemented his place in Melbourne's early history2
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.3 sources
Melbourne's Official Naming
tomelbourne.com.au
The settlement that would become Melbourne initially bore several interim names, including Batmania and Bearbrass, before receiving its official designation. On March 4, 1837, Major-General Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales, visited the fledgling settlement on the Yarra River
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. During this visit, Bourke formally approved the town plan and named its principal streets1
. He officially declared the settlement to be named Melbourne, in honor of the incumbent British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne2
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. The name was officially gazetted on March 29, 18374
. Bourke, a lifelong Whig (Liberal), took pleasure in "affixing Whig names in the Bush," as he wrote to his son, describing Melbourne as "a beautiful site for a Town"2
. This act of naming not only established the city's identity but also reflected the political influences shaping Australia's colonial development at the time.4 sources
Aboriginal Impact and Displacement
kids.britannica.com
The founding of Melbourne had devastating consequences for the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the land. The arrival of European settlers led to the displacement of Aboriginal people from their ancestral lands and introduced deadly diseases to which they had no immunity. Within decades, the Kulin population was drastically reduced. By 1863, only 1,907 Aboriginal people remained in the Port Phillip District, down from an estimated 15,000 at the time of white settlement
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. The settlers denied the Kulin free access to their traditional lands and resources, disrupting their way of life that had existed for tens of thousands of years 2
. While some Aboriginal people adapted by trading goods and artifacts with settlers, the overall impact of colonization was catastrophic for their culture and population 3
. The founding of Melbourne exemplified the broader pattern of colonial expansion in Australia, where private enterprise drove unofficial settlement that was later recognized and formalized by the British government 4
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4 sources
Gold Rush Boom
en.wikipedia.org
Melbourne experienced rapid growth and development following its founding, particularly during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s. The discovery of gold in Victoria led to a massive population boom, with Melbourne's population increasing from around 80,000 in 1851 to 550,000 by 1861
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. This influx of people and wealth transformed Melbourne into a thriving metropolis. The city capitalized on its strategic location and port facilities to become the commercial center of the region2
. Melbourne's growth was further fueled by the expansion of railways, manufacturing, and international immigration. By the 1880s, it had earned the nickname "Marvellous Melbourne" as one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan cities of the era3
. Melbourne also gained political significance, serving as Australia's federal capital from 1901 to 1927 before the establishment of Canberra2
. The city's rapid development laid the foundation for its enduring status as one of Australia's most important economic and cultural hubs.3 sources
Controversy Over Batman's Legacy
en.wikipedia.org
John Batman's legacy as the founder of Melbourne remains controversial due to his complex history and actions. While he is credited with establishing the settlement that became Melbourne, his involvement in violent conflicts with Aboriginal peoples in Tasmania has tarnished his reputation
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. Batman's role in the "Black War" and his leadership of the Ben Lomond massacre in 1829, where at least 17 Aboriginal people were killed, have led to a reassessment of his historical standing2
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In recent years, there has been a shift in public perception and commemoration of Batman. Monuments and place names honoring him have been reconsidered or removed. For instance, the Batman sculpture once prominently displayed on Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD has been taken down3
. Additionally, the federal electoral division of Batman was renamed to honor Aboriginal rights campaigner William Cooper2
. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the complexities of colonial history and a desire to acknowledge the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous Australians in the founding narrative of Melbourne4
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.4 sources
Related
How did John Batman's relationship with Aboriginal people evolve over time
What were the long-term impacts of Batman's Treaty on the Wurundjeri people
How did John Batman's business ventures contribute to the founding of Melbourne
What were the main criticisms of Batman's Treaty in his time
How did John Batman's health issues affect his leadership and decisions
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