Counties of Tasmania facts for kids
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, has a fascinating history of how its land is divided. For a long time, the state was split into areas called counties. These counties were like big sections of land, mainly used for keeping track of land ownership and for surveying.
Over time, these counties were renamed. They are now known as Land Districts. Even though the name changed, the areas themselves mostly stayed the same. They are still super important for how land is managed in Tasmania today.
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What Are Land Districts?
Land Districts are special areas of land in Tasmania. They are used for official purposes, like describing where a piece of property is located. Think of them as very old, fixed boundaries that help people understand exactly which part of Tasmania a land title refers to. They are different from the local government areas, which are called councils, that you might live in.
Why Were Counties Renamed?
The original counties were set up a long time ago, mostly in the 1800s. They helped the government manage land as the colony grew. However, as Tasmania developed, new ways of dividing land for local government (like towns and shires) came into use. To avoid confusion between these different types of divisions, the counties were officially renamed "Land Districts." This change made it clearer that they are used for land administration, not for local government or elections.
How Are Land Districts Used Today?
Even though they aren't used for everyday local government, Land Districts are still very important. When you look at a land title or a survey map in Tasmania, you'll often see the Land District mentioned. This helps to accurately describe the location of a property. Surveyors and land administrators use these districts all the time to make sure land boundaries are clear and correct.
Tasmania's Former Counties (Now Land Districts)
Tasmania used to have 18 counties. Each one covered a specific part of the island. Here are the names of those former counties, which are now known as Land Districts:
- Arthur County
- Buckingham County
- Cornwall County
- Cumberland County
- Devon County
- Dorset County
- Franklin County
- Glamorgan County
- Kent County
- Lincoln County
- Monmouth County
- Montagu County
- Montgomery County
- Pembroke County
- Russell County
- Somerset County
- Wellington County
- Westmoreland County
These historical divisions show how Tasmania's land has been organized and managed over many years. They are a key part of the state's geography and history.
