Changes and continuations: the post-penal settlement of Tasman Peninsula

Abstract

The history of Tasman Peninsula during the initial post-penal period from 1877- 1914 is presented and discussed. Settlement of the peninsula after the closure of Port Arthur prison resulted in two distinct communities - one providing recreation facilities and services to tourists and the other dependent on farming, orcharding, logging and fishing. During this period Tasmanians began to come to terms with the convict history represented by Port Arthur, with Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur becoming foci for the developing tourism industry.