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This Five Dollar Solid Gold coin focusing on the Cascades Female Factory is part of the Colonial Heritage series. The
coin forms part of a set of six which also includes Port Arthur Historic site, Hyde Park Barracks, Freemantle Prison, Coal
Mines Historic Site and Old Government House. The
The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is also a World Heritage Site. Its origins were a little unusual as it was converted from a brewery into a female factory. The government purchased the land for $2,000 back in 1827 (Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, 2013) . Colonial Engineer John Lee Archer took charge of the conversion in August 1827 and drew plans for the transition. After a year of building works, the Factory was ready and the first women arrived in December 1828. Its location at the base of Mount Wellington was always contentious but it successfully served its purpose for so many years. The site had gradually grown larger with the additions of extra yards and buildings as overcrowding became problematic. The site had also housed a Contagious Diseases Hospital, Lying-in Home and a Hospital for the Insane. The entire factory was broken up into sub divisions in 1904 and sold to private buyers by auction. Unfortunately, the buildings in Yard 1 were demolished in 1924 whilst two tennis courts and a clubhouse were constructed. Over time, other buildings were constructed and some taken down, but the main building remains intact. It is now open for guided tours which give detailed descriptions of how life was for the inmates.
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