Gregory Blaxland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gregory Blaxland
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Portrait, 1813
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| Born | 17 June 1778 Kent, England
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| Died | 1 January 1853 (aged 74) New South Wales, Australia
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| Burial place | All Saints Parramatta |
| Known for | 1813 crossing of the Blue Mountains |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Spurdon ( - 1826) |
| Children | 7 - John Blaxland |
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Gregory Blaxland was an English farmer and explorer. He is famous for helping to lead the first successful journey across the Blue Mountains in Australia. This important trip happened in 1813. He was born on June 17, 1778, and passed away on January 1, 1853.
Contents
Blaxland's Early Life
Gregory Blaxland was born in England on June 17, 1778. His family had owned land in Kent for many years. He went to The King's School, Canterbury. In 1799, he married Elizabeth Spurdon. They had seven children together.
The Blaxland family were friends with Sir Joseph Banks. Sir Joseph encouraged Gregory and his brother John to move to Australia. The government promised them land and help. They wanted to encourage important settlers to move there.
Gregory sailed to Australia in 1805 with his family. He brought sheep, seeds, and tools. He arrived in Sydney in April 1806. He sold many of his goods for a good profit. He bought cattle to start a meat business. He also got a large piece of land at St Marys. He was promised forty helpers. He also bought more land near Eastwood.
Crossing the Blue Mountains
In early 1813, Gregory Blaxland needed more land for his animals. He asked Governor Lachlan Macquarie for permission. He wanted to try crossing the Blue Mountains. This time, they planned to follow the mountain ridges. This was different from past attempts that followed rivers.
Blaxland teamed up with William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth. Their expedition was a success! They didn't cross the entire mountain range. But they found a way for settlers to reach the land on the other side. This new land was great for farming. The trip took 21 days to cross. The return journey was much faster, only 6 days.
In 1823, Blaxland wrote a book about their journey. It was called Journal of a Tour of Discovery Across the Blue Mountains. He wrote: "On Tuesday, May 11, 1813, Mr. Gregory Blaxland, Mr. William Wentworth, and Lieutenant Lawson... left Mr. Blaxland's farm... to effect a passage over the Blue Mountains..."
Because of their success, the governor gave each explorer a large piece of land. This land was located west of the mountains.
Other Achievements
Blaxland was also one of the first settlers to plant grapes in Australia. He wanted to make wine. He brought special grapevines from the Cape of Good Hope. These vines were strong and resisted plant diseases. He spent several years making wine.
Blaxland understood how important large farms would be in Australia. In 1814, he suggested a big farming company to Governor Macquarie. He wanted to explore and use the land inside Australia. But Governor Macquarie did not agree.
Blaxland visited England in 1822. He took some of his Australian wine with him. While there, he published his book about the Blue Mountains. Later that year, he won a silver medal for his wine. This award was from the Royal Society of Arts in London.
Later Life
Blaxland's wife passed away in 1826. In 1827, he was chosen to ask Governor Darling for changes. People wanted "Trial by jury" and "Taxation by Representation" in the colony. This meant people wanted to have a say in their government.
He visited England again. He took another request for trial by jury. He also brought more wine samples. He won a gold medal for his wine in 1828.
Blaxland focused mostly on his farming and wine-making. He faced many personal losses. His two youngest sons and his wife died. These losses deeply affected him. He passed away on January 1, 1853, in New South Wales. He was buried in Parramatta.
His son, John, became a successful businessman. He was also a member of the government.
Publications
- A Journal of a Tour of Discovery Across the Blue Mountains, 1823
- Wine from New South Wales, 1828
Recognition
Many places are named after Gregory Blaxland:
- The town of Blaxland in the Blue Mountains.
- The Australian Electoral Division of Blaxland.
- Blaxland Creek in western Sydney.
- Streets named Gregory, Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth in Frankston, Melbourne.
- Blaxland Road in Eastwood and Wentworth Falls.
In 1963, Australia honored Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth. They were featured on a postage stamp. The stamp showed their famous Blue Mountains crossing.
See also
In Spanish: Gregory Blaxland para niños
- Land exploration of Australia
- List of Blue Mountains articles
