From Lodge Manager, Libby Grant: A short history of Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island and nearby Balls Pyramid had a fiery beginning. They are part of a chain of 9 underwater volcanoes that stretches north for a 100km. The dominating, erosion resistant ramparts of 875m Mt Gower and 777m Mt Lidgbird were formed 6.4million years ago as lava filled in the crater of the LHI volcano.
In 1788 the HMAS Supply under the command of Lieut Henry Lidgbird Ball was en route to the penal colony of Norfolk Island when he sighted LHI. Ball named the island after the first lord of the British Admiralty, Richard Howe. No one settled on LHI until 45 years after it’s discovery. Early settlers supplied provisions to the whaling fleets that plied the Pacific Ocean until the early 19th century when the Kentia Palm industry provided a
lucrative alternative for the islanders. In the early 20th century tourism starting on LHI at Pinetrees and Ocean View Lodges. Before the outbreak of WW2 there were about 60 guesthouse beds on the Island. Now there are 400 and tourism is a thriving industry that supports the entire island community.
Lord Howe Island’s unspoiled environment is protected by its Unesco World Heritage status. It is also a National & Marine Park. All are maintained by the administrative board’s environmentally sensitive management policy of nurturing the flora and fauna to preserve the original character of the island.
Aren’t we lucky that we can experience this very special place?
