Camden, a town in eastern New South Wales, Australia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the earliest days of the Australian colony. Originally known as Cowpastures, the area was renamed Camden Park in 1805. This name was given by John Macarthur, a pioneer in the Australian wool industry, in honor of John Jeffreys Pratt, the 2nd Earl Camden and a notable figure in British colonial administration at the time.

The history of Camden is closely intertwined with the indigenous people of the area. The Gandangara, Dharug, and Tharawal people originally inhabited this region. The early interactions between the European settlers and the Aboriginal people were complex and often fraught with conflict. For instance, in 1816, there was an incident where a group of hostile Gundungurra attacked some of Macarthur’s servants, which escalated tensions and led to Governor Macquarie declaring a form of martial law to suppress the Aboriginal resistance.

Camden’s significance in Australian history is also marked by the discovery and subsequent development of the region due to the “lost cattle” of the early colony. Governor Hunter, upon hearing about the cattle that had strayed from Farm Cove, sent an expedition to locate them. This led to the discovery of over forty cattle in the area in 1795, and the place was henceforth known as Cowpastures.

The town played a pivotal role in the early agricultural development of New South Wales, particularly in the sheep and wool industry. John Macarthur’s ventures in sheep rearing and wool production at his estate in Camden were instrumental in establishing Australia as a major wool producer.

Camden also boasts several historic buildings and sites that reflect its colonial past. These include the Camden Park Estate, Camden Cottage, the Camden Court House, and the Harrington Park, among others. These sites offer a glimpse into the life and times of early European settlers in Australia.