City evolutions: boom & bust

Many people have left footsteps in Watt Street, some have been removed, some still remain. While looking for escaped convicts in 1797, Lieutenant Shortland accidentally came across the entrance to Newcastle harbour. Finding coal, miners regularly visited the harbour, and in 1799 coal from Newcastle became the first export of the colony In1801a penal settlement was established, taking form around a treeless corridor used by the Awabakal as a route between harbour and hill. This first pathway still exists, now known as Watt Street. Many people have left their footsteps in Watt Street, some remain, some lead to others and some have been washed away.