Photograph of Man O' War steps, Sydney Harbour, about 1870

Date1870

Object number00045619

NamePhotograph

MediumPhotograph

DimensionsOverall: 90 x 142 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from David and Stephanie Helen Barnsdall

Terms

HistoryThe name Man O ' War steps is the name given to the stone jetty on the northern side of Bennelong Point. Built originally of timber, the jetty was constructed for Governor Macquarie's private about 1810. Between 1810 and 1820 it was rebuilt in stone and gradually ceased to be for the exclusive use of the Governor. The stone jetty enclosed a sheltered landing for small craft with a flight of steps to water level at the inner extremity. The steps were used for watering ships in the nearby anchorage and as these were often naval vessels, the steps came to be known as Man O' War steps. Circular Quay is the site of the first European settlement in Australia and the hub for the earliest commercial shipping activities in the colony of New South Wales. Circular Quay has been a major point of arrival and departure for Europeans and the infrastructure of surrounding warehouses, hotels, houses and commercial premises has progressively evolved since 1788.SignificanceThese detailed photographs of Sydney harbour show shipping in Farm Cove and Circular Quay in about 1870 - illustrating aspects of maritime infrastructure at that time.