Jericho, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jericho Tasmania
Jericho Location in Tasmania
Population	59 (2016 census)
Established	1816
Postcode(s)	7120
Elevation	358 m (1,175 ft)
Location	14 km (9 mi) SW of Oatlands 71 km (44 mi) N of Hobart 125 km (78 mi) S of Launceston
LGA(s)	Southern Midlands Council
Region	Central
State electorate(s)	Lyons
Federal Division(s)	Lyons
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 15.5 °C 60 °F 5.0 °C 41 °F 549.1 mm 21.6 in
Localities around Jericho: Lower Marshes Oatlands Oatlands Melton Mowbray, Lower Marshes Jericho Stonor Melton Mowbray Melton Mowbray Tiberias

Jericho is a small, historic town in the middle of Tasmania, Australia. It's located about 14 kilometers (about 9 miles) southwest of the town of Oatlands. In 2016, only 59 people lived there. Jericho is known for its old buildings and its important role in Tasmania's early history.

History of Jericho

Jericho officially became a recognized place in 1974. The area got its name from an explorer named Hugh Germain. He was a private in the Royal Marines. People said he always carried two books with him: the Bible and the Arabian Nights. He used these books to get ideas for naming places he discovered.

Jericho is a very old village, founded in 1816. This makes it one of the oldest towns in Australia! It's located right in the center of Tasmania, between the cities of Hobart and Launceston. The Jericho Post Office opened on June 1, 1832, but it closed down in 1962.

Old Buildings and Convict Work

Just like its nearby town, Oatlands, Jericho's main road has many beautiful old buildings made of sandstone. You can also see constructions built by convicts, like culverts (tunnels for water), bridges, and walls. Many of these date back to the 1830s.

The main Anglican church in Jericho is called St James. It was built in 1888. Inside the church, you can find the grave of Trooper John Hutton Bisdee. He was the first person from Tasmania to receive the Victoria Cross, which is a very brave award.

The most famous buildings in Jericho are the Commandant's Cottage, built in 1842, and the Probation Station, built in 1840. The Probation Station was made to house 200 convicts. These convicts were forced to build the road that connected Hobart and Launceston.

Early Horse Racing

The land next to the Probation Station was once called "Fourteen Tree Plain." This was the site of the second horse race ever held in the colony of Van Diemens Land (which is now Tasmania). This race happened in April 1826. The very first race was held on October 5, 1816, at "Orielton Park."

A Quiet Village Today

Jericho was once a busy stop for stage coaches in the 1800s. However, it became much quieter in the 1900s. Now, the main highway, the Midland Highway, goes around the town instead of through it. Jericho is now a peaceful village that still has its old-fashioned charm. It is part of Tasmania's special Heritage Highway.

Geography

Part of Jericho's southeastern border is formed by the waters of Lake Tiberias.

Roads in Jericho

The main road, National Route 1 (Midland Highway), runs through Jericho from south to north. Route B32 (Mud Walls Road) starts where it meets Route 1 and goes south out of town. Route C314 (Stonor Road) also starts at Route 1 and heads east. Finally, Route C529 (Lower Marshes Road) begins at Route 1 and goes northwest.