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Sir Mellis Napier was a Chief Justice of South Australia, and arguably a reactionary one.
Historical Thing | By History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1980s
An influential conservative politician and a supporter of Federation, Sir Richard Baker was the first President of the Senate.
Sir Robert Chapman was an engineer with a gift for recognising the fundamentals of any problem.
His versatility as actor, dancer, producer and choreographer, coupled with flamboyance and wit, made Sir Robert Helpmann a household name.
Land titles reformer Sir Robert Richard Torrens reformed, amended and even radicalised the land trade system.
Sir Roland Jacobs was a shrewd businessman, but also a warm and generous philanthropist with no interest in personal wealth.
Davenport was a liberal-minded and literate parliamentarian and a promoter of industry, especially in the fields of horticulture and viniculture.
A Chief Justice of South Australia, Sir Samuel Way was polished, cultured and proud.
Abstemious but easy-going, Sir Sidney Kidman was a pastoralist and philanthropist who made friends easily.
A pastoralist, philanthropist and businessman, Elder supported numerous outback expeditions and Adelaide institutions.
Premier for 26 years, Sir Thomas Playford managed the industrialisation of South Australia while maintaining a conservative social agenda.
A true internationalist, Sir Walter Crocker was a diplomat and Australian ambassador to many countries, a writer, and a centenarian.
A pastoralist and mine-owner once accused of fraud, Hughes stated shortly before his death: ‘I have been a sinner all my life’.
Founder of the Congregational Church in South Australia, Thomas Stow was a strenuous minister and a dedicated opponent of state aid to religion.
A proverbial chip off the old block, Tom Elder Barr Smith was an astute businessman and generous philanthropist.
As the first Labor premier of South Australia, Tom Price established a minimum wage and electrified the tramways.
The term 'all-round sportsman' might have been coined for Victor York Richardson, who excelled at cricket, football, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and basketball.
A conscientious and gifted forestry administrator, Walter Gill was also an enthusiastic nature photographer.
Bagot was an architect whose work, including Bonython Hall and the Barr Smith Library, displays his preference for classical and traditional designs.
Surgeon William Anstey Giles came from pioneering stock, but was a pioneer himself in medical literature.
Soldier, engineer and Adelaide Town Clerk William Veale is celebrated for revitalising the city's parklands.
Short-lived explorer and surveyor William Christie Gosse was the first European to set eyes on Uluru.
Remembered as the founder of the City of Adelaide, Light was South Australia’s first surveyor-general.
William Muirden founded the Muirden College for Business Training, and was known for his well-balanced and harmonious nature.
William Randell was a pioneer of River Murray paddle-steamers, and was responsible for both designing and piloting them.
Lady Bonython grew from ‘Baby Mayoress’ into a community worker and supporter of numerous charities, especially those benefiting women and children.
The founder of soil science in Australia, James Prescott was active at every level of education.
Historical Person | By Prof Emeritus John Prescott | North Terrace | 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Jennifer Cashmore was a trailblazer in South Australian politics.
Historical Person | By Amy Morrison & Larrie Strautmanis | 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000-2010, 2010s, 2020s
Jessie Mary Cooper was the first woman elected to South Australia’s parliament.
Historical Person | By Dr Helen Jones | 1850s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s
A masterly Aboriginal police tracker, James saved lives, gathered evidence and attained legendary status.
Historical Person | By Robert Holmes | North Terrace | 1970s, 1980s, mid twentieth century
Discover the people who have shaped Adelaide
Explore the city's built environment and famous Parklands
Find the stories behind the city's public artworks, monuments and memorials
Browse some of the themes that contextualise the city's history
Learn about the organisations that have made the city tick
Find out what's drawn people into the city's streets
Explore some of the early maps, plans and panoramas that trace the development of the city
Discover the city's history through a rich collection of museum objects
Explore Adelaide by following a themed tour
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