Parramatta

Parramatta, a suburb in the state of New South Wales, Australia, is located 23 kilometers west of the central business district of Sydney. The name Parramatta originates from the Aboriginal word, “burramatta”, translating to “the place where the eels lie down”. Parramatta was the birthplace of the British colony that later turned into Sydney. The region of Parramatta has a rich history dating back to the earliest human habitation of Australia over 60,000 years ago. The native people of the region include the Darug, a group of Hunter-Gatherer people, who had a great connection with the area. In 1788, Governor Phillip led the First Fleet to Australia and established Sydney Cove. However, the area soon proved too small for a large population, and Governor Phillip started looking for a better location to settle. He chose Parramatta as the site for the second settlement in Australia. The first farm was established on the banks of the Parramatta River in 1788, and by 1791, a settlement had been built, consisting of barracks, huts, and homes. The first crops were planted in 1789, and by May 1791, there were over 1200 acres of cleared land for cultivation. During the early years of the settlement, Parramatta was a hub of activity with the construction of numerous buildings such as St John’s Church, Old Government House, and the Parramatta Gaol. Parramatta Gaol was established in 1798 and was originally used to house convicts on their way to trial or transportation to other colonies. In 1816, Governor Lachlan Macquarie designated Parramatta as the colony’s second official town, which led to further development of the settlement. The population of Parramatta continued to grow, and by the 1820s, it had overtaken Sydney as the largest town in New South Wales. During the 19th century, Parramatta continued to prosper with the development of transport links such as the Parramatta Railway, making it easier to travel from Sydney to Parramatta and vice versa. There were also several brickworks established in the region, and by 1860 Parramatta had become a major center for the production of bricks and tiles in Sydney. By the early 20th century, Parramatta had become a bustling commercial center, with several large department stores and other retailers opening across the suburb. The Parramatta River was the principal trading artery with goods transported to and from the city by ship. The 1930s saw Parramatta become a major industrial hub with the establishment of several factories and manufacturing plants, particularly in the automobile and engineering sectors. The rapid growth of the suburb during this period led to a transformation of the area’s landscape as houses gave way to high-rise apartments, commercial buildings, and shopping centers. In the latter half of the 20th century, the population of Parramatta continued to increase, with a rise in immigration to the area. The suburb is now home to a diverse community and is recognized as a major cultural center, boasting a range of museums, galleries, and theaters. In conclusion, the region of Parramatta has a fascinating history, from its early days as a simple farm to the bustling commercial center that it is today. The rich legacy of the area is evident in the many historic landmarks and buildings that are still standing, providing a glimpse into its past. Today, Parramatta is a thriving suburb, with a diverse population, world-class amenities, and a bright future ahead.