History of Adelaide

Before it was invaded by Europeans, the settlement which is today known as Adelaide was inhabited by the Kaurna Aboriginal tribe. These tribal people would start controlled bush fires in the Adelaide Hills to help with the next harvest of crops, and it was these fires that gained the Europeans’ attention. By 1852, the total population of the Kaurna in Adelaide was only 650 and steadily decreasing.

Officially British

Since 1836, Australia was officially a new British province. Adelaide was established as the centre of a planned colony of free immigrants. Civil liberties were promised, as was freedom from religious persecution. The city does not share the convict settlement history of other Australian cities.

Economic instability

Adelaide's early history was plagued by economic instability and incompetent leadership, although towards the end of the 1830s, the economy finally begun to stabilise. The arrival of livestock from New South Wales and Tasmania saw industry begin to boom, especially the wool trade. In 1838, the construction of a governor's house, jail, police barracks, hospital and a customs house took place, confirming Adelaide’s status as a new city.

Adelaide also became economically self-sufficient during this period, but not without cost implications. The local government became heavily in debt and relied on London to bail them out. Luckily, in 1841, silver was discovered in the area, which speeded up commercial and economical development even further.

The 20th century

Adelaide was thriving at the beginning of the 20th century. Electric street lighting was introduced in 1900 and electric trams began transporting passengers in 1909. The city enjoyed a post-war boom, but soon entered the depression of the 1930s. This was partly due to droughts and worldwide depression. However, it didn’t take long for the city to find its feet once again and soon it was prospering under a strong government.

Adelaide saw a sharp increase in its population when an assisted migration scheme brought 215,000 immigrants of all nationalities to South Australia between 1947 and 1973. Under the Dunstan Government in the 1970s, Adelaide established a wide array of social reforms and became a centre of the arts. The city played host to the Australian Grand Prix for 11 years, between 1985 and 1996, on a street circuit, before the controversial move to Melbourne.

Recent years

The 1992 State Bank collapse saw Adelaide plunge into an economic recession, the effects of which can still be felt today. The Rann Government did however renew a new economic confidence and along with the tourism industry, helped the city to once again recover. Today, Adelaide is a popular destination for many tourists and backpackers and it offers a wide array of attractions and sights to enjoy.