The first European to sight Tasmania was Abel Tasman in 1642. He named the island Van Diemen's Land. In the 1790's the area at the mouth of the River Derwent was the second European settlement in Australia. Hobart was declared in 1812 and made the capital of Van Diemen's Land. Hobart developed as a whaling port and as a centre of ship building.
Hobart, Tasmania has a unique history. Its foundation was built on being a destination for convicts from England, the natural resources of the land, the Derwent river, the safe harbour area that Hobart provided and the food that was located in the surrounding waters.
Hobart began in 1804 when a settlement was constructed at Sullivans Cove. Nearby forests provided the wood needed to turn the initial tent settlement into a village. Soon farming areas had been constructed, supplying food to the inhabitants. Today, the forestry industry and agriculture are still important to Tasmania's economy and Hobart's population.
Early in its history, fishing and whaling became integral to Hobart. Hobart's maritime history also includes being a base for the Royal Navy, today cruise ships are the expected vessels at the docks.
During the years Hobart Town, as it was called, kept growing. Businesses like the Cascade Brewery, and in later years the Cadbury factory, added variety to the economy.
In the 21st century, Hobart is also a tourist destination. With a casino, international events, large venues and modern airport, Hobart is popular with visitors. The city may have changed, but it is still based around the area of Sullivans Cove that was the primary location for the first settlement.
