Fort Macquarie, Sydney
Photographer
Fred Hardy
Datec 1882
Object number00031387
NameAlbumen print
MediumAlbumen print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 508 x 408 mm, 0.018 kg
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis image is attributed to photographer Fred Hardy, for the studio of George Washington Wilson.HistoryConstruction on Fort Macquarie began in 1817 and finished in early 1821 under the direction of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The structure was built on Bennelong Point as a square castellated battlement and included several guns from First Fleet vessel HMS Supply.
Fort Macquarie was one of a number of defensive structures built along Sydney Harbour in the 1800s, including Fort Denison and Middle Head, Georges Head, South Head and Bradley’s Head batteries.The defences were built in response to a number of anticipated dangers that arose in the century after colonial settlement in Australia. As a strategically important harbour with a small population and growing wealth, Sydney was potentially vulnerable to foreign conquest. In 1853 fears of an impending invasion peaked when Britain and France declared war on Russia. Raids by the Russian Navy never eventuated, however defences were strengthened along Australia's coastline.
Fort Macquarie was demolished to make way for a new electric tram shed that opened in 1902. The site continued to be known as ‘Fort Macquarie’ until 1959 when the tram shed was, in turn, torn down to be replaced by construction on the Sydney Opera House which was opened in 1973.
SignificanceThe defensive structure of Fort Macquarie was built on Bennelong Point where the Sydney Opera House is today. Fort Macquarie dominated Sydney's landscape in the 1800s and was an important feature of the new colony's defences.
