Interactive map of SA colonial encounters launches

The South Australian Frontier and its Legacies geo-linked story tool maps encounters from early colonialisation to the late nineteenth century, and records how these events have been remembered from region to region.

The aim of this site is to increase dialogue and widen public awareness of frontier conflict – which is broadly understood as both interpersonal and cultural violence – as part of South Australia’s colonial past.

Dr Skye Krichauff, Project Manager and Senior Lecturer in Historical and Classical Studies at the University of Adelaide, explains the map creates easier access to important moments in history.

“We have digitised and transcribed historical sources held by State Records and provided links to newspaper articles,” she says.

“We thought it was important for those using the website to not only see detailed descriptions of incidents of frontier conflict, but also be able to read the historical sources themselves.

“We have been working with communities to record oral histories relating the frontier and its legacies, and by listening to audio and reading transcripts, website users can hear Aboriginal people's and settler descendants' voices."

“We have been working with communities to record oral histories relating the frontier and its legacies, and by listening to audio and reading transcripts, website users can hear Aboriginal people's and settler descendants' voices."

Funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, the project was led by the University of Adelaide, and supported by partners History Trust of South Australia, State Library of South Australia, South Australian Museum, State Records of South Australia, and Reconciliation SA.

Greg Mackie OAM, CEO History Trust of South Australia, says the map was curated from a wide range of resources.

“The interactive website has gathered archival records on South Australian frontier conflict, colonial press reports, artworks and photographs, as well as contemporary oral histories with South Australian Aboriginal communities,” he says.

“This website is a demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration.”

It is acknowledged that the material contained in the site only forms one part of the diversity of voices and perspectives on the histories and experiences of South Australia’s colonial frontiers, and that other accounts are still to be shared.

Visit The South Australian Frontier and its Legacies website