Charles Joseph La Trobe was born in London on the 20th of March 1801, and apparently carried out his education somewhere in Switzerland. He was an active mountaineer, and published four books based on his experiences while travelling.

In 1839 he was sent to New South Wales and was appointed as superintendent. Despite having limited managerial experience, in 1851 he was made the first lieutenant-governor of the colony of Victoria, possibly because of his relationship with the then Governor of New South Wales, George Gipps.

While serving as lieutenant-governor, La Trobe apparently reserved or set aside certain areas of land throughout Melbourne, and much of the parkland in Melbourne’s CBD survived because of La Trobe’s actions.

Notable places that bear his name in recognition of his deeds as lieutenant-governor include La Trobe University, La Trobe Street, Latrobe Valley, and the La Trobe Reading Room at Victoria’s State Library. Plus the statue of him out the front, of course. ;)

In 1854, La Trobe submitted his resignation; apparently his inexperience had led to criticism and self-doubt. In the same year, Victoria achieved separation from New South Wales and became an independent state.

The cottage that La Trobe and his family lived in is still standing in Melbourne today, and retains personal items of the couple inside. It is operated as a museum by the National Trust of Australia, and is one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne.

So, there you have it. A brief history of Mr. C. J. La Trobe. I hope everyone enjoyed it, and learnt something. I’m off to snap a picture of something random before I head off to bed. Ciao, everyone.