Map of General Roe's Western Australian Expedition, 1852

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This map is a historical document, focused on Western Australia. It illustrates the route of an expedition under Surveyor General … Read more This map is a historical document, focused on Western Australia. It illustrates the route of an expedition under Surveyor General Roe from Perth to Russell Range during 1848 and 1849. The 1848-1849 expedition of John Septimus Roe to the Russell Ranges stands as a significant chapter in the exploration history of Western Australia. Roe, serving as the first Surveyor General of Western Australia—a role he held for an impressive 43 years—undertook this journey as one of his major exploratory endeavors. His expeditions were pivotal in charting unknown territories and fostering a deeper understanding of the Australian landscape. During his tenure, Roe was responsible for mentoring future explorers and is often described as the 'Father of Australian Explorers'. His meticulous field notes and sketches from his various expeditions provide a detailed and accurate record of the land as it was during the first contact by European settlers. His observations covered a wide range of aspects, from the landscapes and water sources to the flora and fauna, as well as interactions with Indigenous peoples and their place names. The expedition to the Russell Ranges was one of Roe's four major explorations, with the others occurring in 1835 to King George Sound, in 1836 to Wongan Hills, and in 1847 to Champion Bay and Hutt River. The complete record of his exploratory work was compiled and published in 2014, ensuring that his contributions to Australian exploration are preserved and accessible for future generations. This comprehensive collection not only includes Roe's field reports but is also enhanced with expert analysis of the region's plant and animal species, and insights into the navigation and surveying techniques of the time. Roe's work was instrumental in mapping the Australian frontier and his legacies in navigation and exploration continue to be celebrated in Western Australian history. See less