Map of Gregory's Expedition Into the North West of Australia, 1860s

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The map represents the route taken during F.T. Gregory's 1861 North West Australian Expedition. This exploration was a significant journey … Read more The map represents the route taken during F.T. Gregory's 1861 North West Australian Expedition. This exploration was a significant journey that took place over the Pilbara region, starting from the Ashburton River and extending to the Dampier Archipelago and the De Grey River. Francis Thomas Gregory led the expedition on the ship 'Dolphin', arriving at Nickol Bay in May 1861. The objective of the expedition was initially to assess the land's suitability for cotton cultivation, but it ended up having a profound impact on the region's development, particularly in the pastoral industry. Gregory and his team, likely the first Europeans to witness vast swathes of this landscape, were instrumental in encouraging settlers to move to the Pilbara, not only from other parts of Western Australia but also from the eastern colonies and Victoria. Interestingly, Gregory also observed the presence of iron ore in the Pilbara; however, this resource would not be significantly tapped into until the late 20th century. For his efforts in leading this and other expeditions, Gregory was awarded the founder's medal of the Royal Geographical Society in 1863. His detailed reports from these explorations served as guidebooks for those looking to establish pastoral and pearling operations in the north. Additionally, he collected numerous botanical and geological specimens, which would later be displayed in museums such as Charles Nicolay's in Fremantle. After his time in Western Australia, Gregory moved to Queensland in 1862, where he continued to contribute to the expansion and exploration of Australia, serving in several official capacities including commissioner of crown lands. See less