History of Canberra

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Introduction

Founding: Canberra was formally named and founded in 1913.
Design: The city was designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.
Planned City: Canberra is unique among Australian cities as it is entirely planned.
Aboriginal Heritage: The area has been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for up to 21,000 years.
European Settlement: European exploration and settlement began in the 1820s.
Federation: Canberra was chosen as the capital following the Federation of Australia in 1901.
Development: Significant development occurred post-World War II, especially under Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies.
Self-Government: The Australian Capital Territory was granted self-government in 1988.

Inhabitants: The area has been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for up to 21,000 years.
Tribes: Groups including the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, and Ngambri lived in the region.
Archaeological Evidence: Evidence includes rock shelters, paintings, engravings, and stone tools.
Cultural Sites: Important sites include Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie, used for ceremonies.
Language: The name 'Canberra' is derived from the Ngunnawal language, meaning 'meeting place'.

Exploration: European exploration began in the 1820s with expeditions led by Charles Throsby.
First Settlers: The first European settler was Joshua John Moore in 1823.
Land Grants: Moore named his land 'Canberry' and received formal possession in 1827.
Early Buildings: St John's Anglican Church and Blundells Cottage are notable early structures.
Impact on Indigenous Population: European settlement led to a decline in the Indigenous population due to disease and displacement.

Federation: Achieved on 1 January 1901, uniting the Australian colonies.
Capital Debate: A long dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the capital.
Compromise: The new capital would be built in New South Wales, at least 100 miles from Sydney.
Selection: Canberra was chosen in 1908 after a survey by Charles Scrivener.
Territory: The New South Wales government ceded the district to the federal government in 1911.

Design Competition: An international design competition was held in 1911.
Winning Design: The plan by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin was selected.
Planned City: Canberra is unique as an entirely planned city with geometric motifs.
Construction: Began in 1913, with significant earthworks and avenues established.
Landmarks: The design included significant topographical landmarks like Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie.

Prime Minister Menzies: Significant development occurred under Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies.
Population Growth: The population grew by more than 50% in every five-year period from 1955 to 1975.
Government Departments: Several departments were moved to Canberra from Melbourne.
Housing Projects: Government housing projects were undertaken to accommodate the growing population.
Lake Burley Griffin: Construction of the lake was completed in 1964, laying the platform for further development.

Granting Self-Government: The Australian Capital Territory was granted self-government in December 1988.
First Election: The first election was held on 4 March 1989.
Legislative Assembly: A 17-member Legislative Assembly was established.
First Government: The Australian Labor Party formed the first government, led by Chief Minister Rosemary Follett.
Permanent Premises: The Legislative Assembly moved to permanent premises on London Circuit in 1994.

Population: As of June 2023, Canberra's estimated population was 466,566.
Institutions: Home to many important institutions of the federal government, national monuments, and museums.
Cultural Events: Hosts events like Floriade, the Enlighten Festival, and the National Multicultural Festival.
Economic Development: Major industries include health care, professional services, education, and retail.
Quality of Life: Canberra has been ranked among the world's best cities to live in and visit.