Frank Long

This article is about the Tasmanian prospector. For the American writer, see Frank Belknap Long.

Frank Long was a trackcutter and prospector. In 1882 he discovered the Zeehan-Dundas silver-lead field on the West Coast of Tasmania.

Life and career

Frank Long was Tasmanian, born to ex-convicts in Launceston around 1844. He spent his early years in Campbell Town.[1] Long was a member of Charles Sprent's Mount Heemskirk expedition in 1876 and was known as a hardy and strong bushman.

Discovery of the Zeehan-Dundas Silver-Lead Field

Long discovered deposits of silver and lead in the Zeehan-Dundas silver-lead field. A nearby encampment grew, and the Mount Zeehan Post Office opened on 1 August 1888. Although Long's mineral discoveries generated wealth for many people, his later years were affected by rheumatism and alcoholism. The community of Zeehan helped Long secure a government pension so he could live out his days in dignity.[2] Long was known as "the father of Zeehan" when he died in 1908.

Legacy

The Frank Long Memorial at Zeehan received $5,000 upgrade in 2018.[3]

Further reading

  • Blainey, Geoffrey (2000). The Peaks of Lyell (6th ed.). Hobart: St. David's Park Publishing. ISBN 0-7246-2265-9.
  • Haygarth, N. Frank Long in Alexander (ed.) The Companion to Tasmanian History. 2005. ISBN 1-86295-223-X p. 220

See also

References

  1. ^ Haygarth, Nic. "The Companion to Tasmanian History - Frank Long". University of Tasmania. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  2. ^ Bennett, Lachlan (10 August 2020). "Saving the Silver City: Zeehan's plan to survive and thrive". The Advocate. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  3. ^ Bennett, Lachlan (12 June 2018). "Frank Long memorial at Zeehan receives $5000 upgrade". The Advocate. Retrieved 19 May 2022.