Open Site - Regional: Oceania: Australia: Queensland: Municipalities: Brisbane City: Local History

Top: Regional: Oceania: Australia: Queensland: Municipalities: Brisbane City: Local History

[ history ]

Early European History

The explorer John Oxley is credited with discovering the Brisbane River.

In 1824 a convict colony was established at Redcliffe Point. The site of North Quay (now part of the Brisbane CBD's judicial area) was felt to be a better site and the convicts were moved there in 1824.

The city was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane (1773-1860) a British soldier and administrator born in Ayrshire, Scotland.

In 1842, the Brisbane area was opened for free settlement, and the convict colony was closed.

Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859 and became a colony by itself with Brisbane declared the state capital.

Brisbane was officially declared a city in 1902.

[ history ]

History of the 20th Century - World War II

Whilst never attacked in the war US troops were stationed throughout the city and suburbs.

Brisbane was the headquarters for the Allied Commander of the South-West Pacific region, General Douglas MacArthur, and the building known as Macarthur Chambers, where he had his office, still stands though in 2003 it was significantly redeveloped.