York Town, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids York TownTasmania |
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 York Town
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 72 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 7 km (4 mi) NW of Beaconsfield | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | West Tamar, Latrobe | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Launceston, North-west and west | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Bass, Braddon | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Bass, Braddon | ||||||||||||||
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York Town is a small rural area in Tasmania, Australia. It is located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) north-west of the town of Beaconsfield. In 2016, a census showed that 72 people lived in York Town.
This place is very important in history. It was the first spot where the British tried to set up a permanent settlement in northern Tasmania. This happened in 1804. For a few years, until 1808, York Town was a busy little village.
History of York Town
York Town was officially named a locality in 1967. Even though all the original buildings from the early settlement are gone, the natural area around it looks much the same. Today, the site is protected as the York Town Historic Site. There are special signs there that help visitors learn about its past.
During the time of the first settlement, people living in York Town found large amounts of iron ore in the nearby hills. Much later, in the 1870s, these iron discoveries led to a short-lived industry. People started mining and smelting iron on the western side of the Tamar River estuary, in places like Redbill Point and Ilfracombe (which is now called Beauty Point).
Where is York Town?
Most of the eastern edge of York Town is bordered by the waters of the west arm of the Tamar River estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the water is a mix of fresh and salt water.
Getting Around York Town
The main road that goes through York Town is Greens Beach Road (also known as Route A7). It runs from the south-east to the north-east of the area. Another road, Route C741 (Bowens Road), starts from Greens Beach Road and heads south-west before leaving the locality. These roads help people travel in and out of York Town.
