Lanark County, Western Australia facts for kids
Lanark County was one of the 26 official land areas, called cadastral divisions, that were set up in Western Australia in 1829. These divisions helped the government manage and keep track of land.
It was named after the County of Lanark in Scotland. This was the birthplace of Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling, who was a very important early leader in Western Australia.
Lanark County roughly covered the southern part of what is now known as the Nelson Land District. This district is still used today for keeping records of who owns land.
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What Was Lanark County?
Lanark County was one of the first 26 "counties" created in Western Australia. These counties were not like the counties we have today with local governments. Instead, they were special areas marked out on maps. Their main purpose was to help the government organize and sell land to new settlers.
- Created: 1829
- Purpose: To help manage and record land ownership
- Number: One of 26 original counties
Why Were These Counties Created?
When British settlers first arrived in Western Australia, they needed a clear way to divide up the land. This was important for several reasons:
- Selling Land: The government wanted to sell land to people who moved there. Having clear county boundaries made it easier to describe and sell specific plots of land.
- Keeping Records: It helped keep official records of who owned which piece of land. This is called a "land title."
- Planning: It helped with planning for future towns, roads, and farms.
Who Was Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling?
Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling was a key figure in the early days of Western Australia. He was a naval officer who played a big role in setting up the Swan River Colony, which later became the city of Perth. He was the first governor of the colony.
- Born: In the County of Lanark, Scotland
- Role: First Governor of the Swan River Colony
- Importance: Helped establish and lead the early settlement of Western Australia
Where Was Lanark County Located?
Lanark County was located in the southwestern part of Western Australia. It covered an area that today is part of the Nelson Land District. This district is still used for official land records. The land in this area includes forests, rivers, and agricultural land.
- Region: Southwestern Western Australia
- Modern Equivalent: Southern part of the Nelson Land District
- Landscape: Forests, rivers, and farmland
