Who was Lachlan Macquarie?
Lachlan Macquarie was Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. Often called the Father of Australia, he transformed the struggling penal colony into a growing society with roads, towns and public buildings.
Born in Scotland in 1762, Macquarie was an army officer who arrived after the Rum Rebellion, when officers had overthrown Governor William Bligh. He restored order and brought his own regiment to replace the corrupt New South Wales Corps.
He commissioned many public works, often designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, including Hyde Park Barracks and St James' Church. He founded towns such as Windsor, Richmond and Liverpool.
Emancipists
Macquarie believed former convicts should be given opportunities, appointing some to official positions. This angered wealthy free settlers.
He supported the crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813 and ordered a road to be built over the mountains, completed in 1815, opening the western plains to settlement. Bathurst, founded that year, became the first inland town.
In 1817, Macquarie recommended that the continent be called Australia rather than New Holland, helping the name become official. He returned to Britain in 1822 and died in 1824. His tomb on the Isle of Mull in Scotland describes him as the Father of Australia.
Did You Know?
Many places are named after Macquarie, including Macquarie Street, Port Macquarie and Lake Macquarie.