Saltwater River
Situated 17 km’s west of Port Arthur lays the ruin shells of what was a busy convict mine settlement.
Saltwater is nestled between thick bush land and sea and though it may look beautiful, it history is the opposite.
This was a place convicts feared, by its reputation and working in the mine and the treatment from soldiers…this is Saltwater River.
In 1837 construction was under way of the cells and building scattered throughout the northern tip of thepeninsula, by 1841 saltwater was in full swing, those sent to saltwater were terrified by the place.
Convicts worked all day in the coal mines and spent therest of their time in the underground cells, convicts spent all their time in the dark, convicts were given a cell that two people would be extremely cramped, the cells were 5 foot wide, 8 foot long,
8 foot high those who enter feel suffocated by the small space, a convict described the conditions of the cells as “Being buried alive” the conditions caused some inmates to go insane, even suicide so the rumors say.
Violence played a big part in the mines, random bashings and murder, but homosexuality was becoming a problem as venereal disease started spreading and some convicts were subjected to rape from other convicts.
In 1845 (2 convicts) were charged with rape in a violent manner, they were executed by hanging, which was done in the mines.
Also on the grounds were other buildings including
Barracks for the troops
A chapel
Schoolhouse
Bake house
Washrooms
A store room with additional under ground cells, 16 of them
Also small dwellings for officers, soldiers, local constables and surgeons.
When it closed the date is unconfirmed 1850/60’s it was neglected, forgotten and lost from our history. Not so long ago the cells were renovated to save the cells from becoming ruins. Other buildings have become decayed images of what they once was, some even gone, which is a sadden thought that this place is over looked even unappreciated. Once the history fades so will the existence of saltwater and it’s wonderful surrounding ruins.
Tassie’s history we should never loose.
Images
Location Map