In the early 19th century, one of Australia’s first bushrangers, Black Caesar, terrorised the New South Wales colony. Originally an African slave who had escaped captivity aboard a ship, Caesar became a feared outlaw, known for his strength and cunning. Operating in the coastal regions, he led a gang of fellow fugitives, targeting settlers, and is remembered not only for his crimes but also for his resilience in the face of colonial oppression. His capture and eventual death marked the end of his reign, but his legacy as one of the earliest bushrangers of the Australian frontier still endures.
Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into the fascinating story of Black Caesar, exploring his escape from slavery, rise to infamy, and his lasting impact on Australia’s bushranger history.
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Sources cited:
- Barrington, George. 1802. The History of New South Wales. London: M. Jones.
- Collins, David. 1801. An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. Sydney: University of Sydney Library.
- Bradley, William. 1969. A voyage to New South Wales : the journal of Lieutenant William Bradley RN of HMS Sirius. Sydney: Trustees of the Public Library of New South Wales.
- Huntington, H. W. H. 1899. "History of Parramatta and District." Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, September 16. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85777960.
- Collins, David. 1801. An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. Sydney: University of Sydney Library.
- Hunter, John. 1796. "Government General Order." January 29. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.ausnc.org.au/corpora/cooee/1-049-original.
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