First crossing of the Blue Mountains 1813

Question 1

What year was the first crossing of the Blue Mountains, and why was this?

Answer 1

1813, it was after a period of drought, so it was hoped that it would provide more land for agriculture and the expansion of the wool industry.

Question 2

Who did the expedition include, and what did they report of?

Answer 2

Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth reported favourably of the vast expanse of land and bush, and Blaxland reported to Macquarie that there’d be enough grazing land to sustain the colony for 30 years.

Question 3

What year did Macquarie commission a road to be built across the Blue Mountains, and how long did it take to complete?

Answer 3

1814, it was completed in 6 months of convict labour

Question 4

In 1824, what did the Royal Commissioner in Britain establish, and what was the Company given?

Answer 4

The Australian Agriculture Company was given 1 million acres in New South Wales for development.