Eureka Flag- Jemima Stafford
In 1854 on the 3rd of December, the Eureka flag flew over the heads of angry and fed up miners. It was seen by many as a symbol of democracy and defiance. The stars representing the Southern Cross and the lines between them showing the unity of the diggers. Although the blue background is usually seen as the night sky, it mirrors the blue t-shirts that the miners wore at the time.
Before the battle began, which took the lives of 38 people, 33 miners and 5 government soldiers, the diggers made an oath. It read: 'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.'
Although the battle only lasted less than thirty minutes, it is seen today as one of Australia's most iconic battles, being the only one on Australian soil.
The flag now stands in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) at its original 2.6 by 4 metre height and width. Although it takes up such a large amount of room, 40% of the flag is missing due to insect damage and souvenirs being taken by visitors a long time ago.
It is made from 4 types of fabric; wool, cotton and cotton/wool blends and is thought to have been designed by Canadian miner 'Lieutenant' Ross in the early stages of the rebellion. And was named a Victorian Icon by the National Trust in 2006.
Before being owned by M.A.D.E it was in the hands of the King family from 1855-1895 due to Trooper King (officer in Eureka battle) tore the flag from the pole in triumph. It was then loaned to the Ballarat Art Gallery, then finally passed to the museum.
Before the battle began, which took the lives of 38 people, 33 miners and 5 government soldiers, the diggers made an oath. It read: 'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.'
Although the battle only lasted less than thirty minutes, it is seen today as one of Australia's most iconic battles, being the only one on Australian soil.
The flag now stands in the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) at its original 2.6 by 4 metre height and width. Although it takes up such a large amount of room, 40% of the flag is missing due to insect damage and souvenirs being taken by visitors a long time ago.
It is made from 4 types of fabric; wool, cotton and cotton/wool blends and is thought to have been designed by Canadian miner 'Lieutenant' Ross in the early stages of the rebellion. And was named a Victorian Icon by the National Trust in 2006.
Before being owned by M.A.D.E it was in the hands of the King family from 1855-1895 due to Trooper King (officer in Eureka battle) tore the flag from the pole in triumph. It was then loaned to the Ballarat Art Gallery, then finally passed to the museum.
Origonal Eureka Flag, held at M.A.D.E (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka)
Bibliography
Website
NFSA.GOV.AU
In-text: (Nfsa.gov.au, 2015)
Bibliography: Nfsa.gov.au, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.nfsa.gov.au/digitallearning/heritage/eureka.html [Accessed 4 May 2015].
AUSFLAG.COM.AU
Eureka Flag
In-text: (Ausflag.com.au, 2015)
Bibliography: Ausflag.com.au, (2015). Eureka Flag. [online] Available at: http://www.ausflag.com.au/eureka.asp [Accessed 4 May 2015].
MADE
Explore - MADE
In-text: (MADE, 2015)
Bibliography: MADE, (2015). Explore - MADE. [online] Available at: http://made.org/explore/ [Accessed 4 May 2015].
Website
NFSA.GOV.AU
In-text: (Nfsa.gov.au, 2015)
Bibliography: Nfsa.gov.au, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.nfsa.gov.au/digitallearning/heritage/eureka.html [Accessed 4 May 2015].
AUSFLAG.COM.AU
Eureka Flag
In-text: (Ausflag.com.au, 2015)
Bibliography: Ausflag.com.au, (2015). Eureka Flag. [online] Available at: http://www.ausflag.com.au/eureka.asp [Accessed 4 May 2015].
MADE
Explore - MADE
In-text: (MADE, 2015)
Bibliography: MADE, (2015). Explore - MADE. [online] Available at: http://made.org/explore/ [Accessed 4 May 2015].