42nd Parallel

42nd Parallel The line of Latitude, 42 degrees south, runs through the middle of Tasmania. From 1804 until 1812, it defined Tasmania's first political boundary.

In past years the Tasmanian chapter of the Institution of Surveyors (ISA) and in more recent times the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) have undertaken projects that document or commemorate some aspect of the history of surveying and mapping. In conjunction with the University of Tasmania, the regions latest project serves to highlight Tasmania’s first political boundary by installi

ng a large roadside artwork near to where the 42nd parallel crosses the Midland Highway just north of Ross, and facilitating an interpretation area alongside the Ross Town Hall. These commissioned installations have been managed by arts@work, through the Corporate Arts Scheme, and have been created by Tasmanian artist and sculptor Rebecca Coote. A volunteer group of interested surveyors, historians, geographers, educators and community members have researched and coordinated this project. Major funding for the project has been generously provided by the Tasmanian Community Fund and the WD Booth Charitable Trust. The 42nd parallel of latitude has an important place in the history of Tasmania. It formed the first political boundary of what was then named Van Diemen’s Land. Between 1804 and 1812 the island was divided into the counties of Cornwall and Buckinghamshire. The division occurred as a result of the reluctance of Lieutenant-Governor Paterson to bring a settlement to the north of the state on the shores of Port Dalrymple. Paterson refused to go if he was to be under the command of Lieutenant-Governor Collins who was already established on the banks of the River Derwent at Hobart Town. To solve the problem, Governor King, based in NSW, split the island about the 42nd parallel leaving the northern county of Cornwall under the command of Lieutenant-Governor Paterson and the southern county of Buckinghamshire under the command of Lieutenant-Governor Collins. The project has three major components:

• Installation of one of Tasmania’s tallest public art works (designed by Tasmanian artist Rebecca Coote) on the eastern side of the Midland Highway, approx. 2km north of Ross.

• Installation of six double sided interpretation panels in the park area beside the Ross Town Hall (also designed by Tasmanian artist Rebecca Coote).

• Accurately marking the position of the 42nd parallel across the width of the State. The official opening of the artwork and the interpretation panels was conducted at 11am at the Ross Town Hall on October 16th, 2012.

Great job NMC workers. The new toilet block looks a treat!
10/11/2017

Great job NMC workers. The new toilet block looks a treat!

28/03/2017

The line that divides us!

Lovely sunny day - marked where the 42 parallel crosses the Zeehan Highway - approx. 12km north of Queenstown, or 1.4km ...
04/10/2014

Lovely sunny day - marked where the 42 parallel crosses the Zeehan Highway - approx. 12km north of Queenstown, or 1.4km south of the Anthony Main Rd intersection heading towards Queenstown.

Stopped off in Ross and made a pleasant discovery - We now have signage directing people to the interpretation panels!
09/08/2014

Stopped off in Ross and made a pleasant discovery - We now have signage directing people to the interpretation panels!

This amazing image was taken by Scott Bennett.
12/09/2013

This amazing image was taken by Scott Bennett.

Looking for something to do over the Christmas break? Visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre museum at Ross and check out the ...
12/12/2012

Looking for something to do over the Christmas break? Visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre museum at Ross and check out the 42nd parallel and surveying history display!

09/12/2012

Another 3km's are now marked - that now makes 70km's done. Not the easiest of jobs though, walking up hills in 32 degree heat!

Spring Vale Wines has the 42nd parallel marked on their bottle caps. This Saturday (8th Dec), we will make it 'official...
05/12/2012

Spring Vale Wines has the 42nd parallel marked on their bottle caps. This Saturday (8th Dec), we will make it 'official' and mark exactly where the parallel falls across their property!

67km's done - Colin and Stu hit the western side of the Tasman Highway at Cranbrook on Sunday 2nd Dec 2012.
03/12/2012

67km's done - Colin and Stu hit the western side of the Tasman Highway at Cranbrook on Sunday 2nd Dec 2012.

23/11/2012

Sunday 2nd Dec and Saturday 8th Dec - off to do some more marking of the 42nd parallel (Cranbrook area). Anyone want to come and join us and help create a bit of surveying history? Message me!

23/10/2012

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Ross, TAS
7209

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