Adelaide’s 19th-century history is rooted in its foundation as a planned colony for free settlers. The city, named after Queen Adelaide, was established following the passage of the South Australia Act 1834, with the first British colonists arriving in February 1836. The colony was designed based on Edward Gibbon Wakefield’s reform ideas, which promised civil liberties and religious freedom, making it unique in the Australian context, as it did not rely on convict labor like other Australian cities such as Sydney and Hobart.

Colonel William Light, South Australia’s first surveyor-general, created a distinctive design for the city, emphasizing a grid layout and surrounding parklands. However, the early years of the colony were fraught with challenges. With the belief that crime would be minimal in a colony of free settlers, no provisions were made for a gaol in the initial city plan. However, by 1837, crime rates had risen, leading to the creation of the South Australian Police Force, and the establishment of the first gaol in 1841.

The early leadership of Adelaide was contentious, particularly with Governor John Hindmarsh’s clashes with other officials, including Resident Commissioner James Hurtle Fisher. However, as agricultural development grew and livestock from other colonies arrived in 1838, Adelaide’s economy began to take shape, with wool production laying the groundwork for future prosperity.

By the 1850s, Adelaide’s economic landscape had diversified. The discovery of silver in Glen Osmond in 1841 and successful mining ventures boosted the economy. The city also benefitted from trade links with other Australian states, which were solidified after the Murray River was navigated in 1853 by Francis Cadell, an Adelaide resident. The colony achieved self-governance in 1856, and the establishment of a bicameral parliament and secret ballots reflected the progressive political reforms of the time.

Adelaide continued to expand its infrastructure, with the opening of key public facilities such as the University of Adelaide in 1874 and the South Australian Art Gallery in 1881. However, the 1890s brought severe economic hardship, with a national depression affecting much of Australia. While the city wasn’t hit as hard as the gold-rush cities, Adelaide still faced a reduction in immigration, high unemployment, and a slowdown in agricultural production. Yet, the discovery of silver and lead at Broken Hill helped to ease the economic strain, with industries such as wine and copper continuing to thrive.

Adelaide’s 19th-century development was a story of resilience. Despite political disputes, economic setbacks, and external pressures, the city continued to grow and evolve, setting the stage for its future success as a cultural and economic hub in South Australia.