Campbell Town, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campbell TownTasmania |
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Main road in centre of Campbell Town, opposite rest area
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 Campbell Town
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 823 (2021 census) |
| Established | 1821 |
| Postcode(s) | 7210 |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Northern Midlands Council |
| State electorate(s) | Lyons |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons |
Campbell Town is a town in Tasmania, Australia. It is located on the Midland Highway. In 2021, about 823 people lived in Campbell Town.
Contents
History of Campbell Town
First People of the Area
The original people of the Campbell Town area were the Tyerrernotepanner (chera-noti-pahner) Clan. They were part of the North Midlands Nation. These people moved around a lot, traveling from the Central Plateau to the Eastern Tiers. They often stayed near what is now Campbell Town. They also lived near lagoons close to Cleveland and Conara. The Tyerrernotepanner had their own names for places. They called the Campbell Town area norerytymonerler or parndokenne. The hills above the town were Lukargener Purntobebenner. The Elizabeth River was parndokennerlyerpinder.
During the early 1800s, as settlers arrived, the Tyerrernotepanner's way of life changed. Their hunting and travel became difficult. Their numbers also decreased. The Tyerrernotepanner were known for bravely defending their land. They were led by elders like Memerlannerlargenna and Eumarrah. The last members of the Tyerrernotepanner were moved from their homeland.
How Campbell Town Began
The area where Campbell Town is now was known to early settlers as Relief Creek. In 1811, Governor Lachlan Macquarie renamed the river after his wife, Elizabeth. In 1821, on his second trip to Tasmania, Macquarie named the town site Campbell Town. He named it after his wife's family name.
The first settler in the area was Thomas Kenton, a constable. He built a small house around 1821. By 1823, a bridge was built over the river. An inn for travelers opened in 1824.
Campbell Town officially became a town in 1826. It was one of four towns with soldiers. These towns connected Hobart and Launceston. At first, a few soldiers were always stationed there. Later, convict police took their place. They helped control and capture escaped convicts.
As the town grew, it became an important center for police and business. Farmers started to grow crops and raise sheep. By 1836, Campbell Town had a courthouse and a jail. It also had hotels, inns, and shops. Many buildings were built using the labor of convicts.
The Campbell Town Post Office opened on June 1, 1832.
Today, Campbell Town is a main rest stop on the Midland Highway. It has toilets, a park, and places to eat. It is also a shopping center for the southern Midlands area.
Famous Landmarks
One of Campbell Town's most famous features is the Red Bridge. Convicts built this bridge. It is the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia. It is also the oldest bridge on the National Highway. Building started in 1836 and finished in 1838. The stone parts of the bridge are original.
Campbell Town is also home to the Foxhunters Return. This old building was a coaching inn. It was built by convicts around 1833. The National Trust calls it "the finest and most substantial hotel building of the late colonial period in Australia." It is said that convicts working on the Red Bridge stayed in the cellars of Foxhunters Return at night.
Things to See
Campbell Town has many old buildings that are well-preserved. You can take a heritage walk to see important places. These include the Red Bridge and the Campbell Town Convict Brick Trail. The town is also known for the Transit of Venus. This rare event was first seen here by the US Navy in 1874.
Notable People
- Harold Gatty, who received the US Distinguished Flying Cross, was born in Campbell Town.
Gallery
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Heritage building in Campbell Town
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Campbell Town rest area
