Robe District Local History
The Robe District is located in the southeast of South Australia. This region has a rich history, dating back thousands of years to the Indigenous people who lived here. In the 1800s, European settlers arrived and began to create a new chapter in the history of this area.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Indigenous people of the Robe District were the Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, and Bunurong. These people had strong connections to the land and waterways and lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, following seasonal patterns. The Ngarrindjeri, in particular, had a strong connection to the Coorong, a long, narrow lagoon system that stretches for over 140 km along the South Australian coastline.
European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with French explorer Nicolas Baudin exploring the Coorong in 1802. The first European settlement in the area was founded in 1846, with the establishment of the town of Robe. This town became an important port for the wool industry and a stopover point for ships traveling between Australia and Europe.
During the mid-1800s, there was significant conflict between European settlers and Indigenous people in the Robe District. This conflict was often the result of land dispossession and the introduction of European farming practices, which impacted the traditional lifestyle of the Indigenous people. The Aboriginal Protection Act of 1869 resulted in the removal of many Indigenous people from the area, and by the early 1900s, the Ngarrindjeri people had been almost entirely displaced from their land.
The Robe District played an important role in the growth of the wool industry in South Australia during the late 1800s. Wool was transported from the region to Europe and the United Kingdom, making Robe a prosperous town. The town also became known for its fishing industry, with a significant fleet of fishing boats operating out of Robe.
During the 1900s, the Robe District continued to grow and develop. In the 1950s, a causeway was built across the Coorong, linking the town of Meningie with the town of Kingston SE. This causeway provided better access to the region, making it easier for tourists to visit the area.
Today, the Robe District is known for its natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture. Visitors to the region can explore the Coorong National Park, visit the historic lighthouse at Cape Jaffa, and sample the local food and wine. The area is also popular for fishing and water sports, with many visitors drawn to the region's pristine beaches and waterways.
In conclusion, the history of the Robe District is a fascinating and complex story that spans thousands of years. From the traditional lifestyle of the Indigenous people to the growth and development of the wool and fishing industries, this region has played an important role in the history of South Australia. Today, the Robe District continues to be a popular destination for tourists, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.