Massacre at Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria

Date: 1 Jan 1872 – 31 Dec 1872
Place: Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
In 1872, a small party of colonists, including employees at the Normanton Customs Station, landed on Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria 'and a number of Blacks were shot' (Richards, 2008, p 57). According to Timothy Bottoms, 'a magisterial inquiry' held early the following year', revealed that the incident was purely opportunistic but no one was arrested for their involvement (Bottoms, 2013, p 169).
Notes:
CorroborationRating: **
LanguageGroup: Kayardild
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 6

People involved

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Sources

  • Richards, 2008, p 57; Bottoms, 2013, p 169.

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria
    1 Jan 1872 – 31 Dec 1872 — Sweers Island, Gulf of Carpentaria — massacre
    In 1872, a small party of colonists, including employees at the Normanton Customs Station, landed on Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria 'and a number of Blacks were shot' (Richards, 2008, p 57). According to Timothy Bottoms, 'a magisterial inquiry' held early the following year', revealed that the incident was purely opportunistic but no one was arrested for their involvement (Bottoms, 2013, p 169).
    Source: Richards, 2008, p 57; Bottoms, 2013, p 169.