Williamstown (Victoria)

Williamstown is a district in the south west of the Australian city of Melbourne, 8 km from the city center at the Hobsons Bay, a part of Port Phillip.

The place was named after the English King William IV.

History

The area around Williamstown was originally inhabited by the tribe of the Kulin Aboriginal. Because of the natural port through which the entire goods transport for Melbourne was settled, in 1835, many immigrants settled in the founding of Melbourne. 1840, the first lighthouse was built. 1841 had Williamstown, according to a census, 259 inhabitants. During the Victorian gold rush of the city experienced a strong growth spurt. 1850 a post office was opened. By 1870, Williamstown was the main port of the colony of Victoria. 1904, the population of the town had grown to about 15,000. After the Second World War, many immigrants from Europe were housed in Williamstown.