Cape Grim massacre

Van Diemen's Land (15202418751)

Cape Grim North West Tasmania Australia

george a robinson

Cape Grim massacre

The Cape Grim massacre refers to a tragic event that occurred on 10 February 1828, at Cape Grim on the north-western coast of Tasmania, Australia. During this event, a group of Van Diemen's Land Company (VDLC) employees attacked and killed a significant number of Aboriginal Tasmanians from the Peerapper clan.

Background

The early 19th century in Tasmania was marked by increasing conflict between European settlers and the indigenous population. The establishment of the VDLC in 1825 led to the displacement of many Aboriginal communities as settlers expanded their agricultural and pastoral activities. The Peerapper people, who traditionally inhabited the north-western region of Tasmania, were among those affected by these encroachments.

The Massacre

On the morning of 10 February 1828, a group of VDLC employees, led by Edward Curr, launched a surprise attack on a group of Peerapper people who had gathered at Cape Grim. The exact number of victims is disputed, but it is estimated that around 30 Aboriginal men, women, and children were killed. The attackers reportedly used firearms and other weapons to carry out the massacre.

Aftermath

The Cape Grim massacre was part of a broader pattern of violence and dispossession faced by the Aboriginal Tasmanians during the period known as the Black War. The massacre had a devastating impact on the Peerapper clan, contributing to the decline of their population and the disruption of their traditional way of life.

In the years following the massacre, the VDLC continued to expand its operations in the region, further displacing the remaining Aboriginal communities. The events at Cape Grim are now recognized as a significant and tragic episode in the history of Tasmania and the broader history of colonial violence in Australia.

Legacy

The Cape Grim massacre is commemorated as a symbol of the suffering endured by the Aboriginal Tasmanians during the colonial period. Efforts have been made to acknowledge and remember the victims through memorials and educational initiatives. The site of the massacre is now part of the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, which monitors air quality and atmospheric conditions.

Related Pages

• Black War
• Aboriginal Tasmanians
• Van Diemen's Land Company
• History of Tasmania
• Colonial Australia