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This map of Part of Southern Australia was published in Robert Torrens' book Colonization of South Australia, first published in 1835. Torrens was an advocate of emigration and a member of the South Australian Association which was agitating for a settlement in South Australia. The map reveals the current state of knowledge of the country at the time the book was first issued in June 1835, that is prior to actual settlement. It draws on the charting of the coast by Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin in 1802, including inland features such as Mounts Brown and Arden, Hummock and Barn Hills, the discovery of the River Murray and Lake Alexandrina by Charles Sturt in 1829, several rivers on the Fleurieu Peninsula by Collet Barker in 1830 and information about Kangaroo Island provided by Captain George Sutherland, a sealer, in 1831. Other than this the country is completely unknown, both for its geographical features and its real potential.

Further exploration of the South Australian landscape would commence in earnest in late 1836 with the arrival of Colonel William Light, the Surveyor General who would assess the country for the best site for the main town, and subsequently by the colonists themselves as they pushed out from Adelaide in search of pastures for their stock and mineral wealth. By 1862, 26 years after first settlement, John McDouall Stuart would have explored through the centre of the continent to the North Coast of Australia, and ten years later a telegraph line along his route would connect Australia telegraphically to the rest of the world.

Torrens, Robert, 1780-1864

Flinders, Matthew, 1774-1814

Sturt, Charles, 1795-1869

Barker, Collet, 1784-1831

Sutherland, George, Captain

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-

Treasures of the State Library: Deed of Settlement

Treasures of the State Library: William Light Collection