Abel Tasman was hired by the United East India Company to explore the world. He went through New Zealand, and sighted Fiji Island. He has been honored with the naming of many places and creatures, including the Tasmanian Devil.
On this day November 24th, in 1642, Van Diemen’s Land is discovered by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. Tasman named it after his financial backer, Anthony Van Diemen. This place is currently known as Tasmania. It is a 35,000 sq. mile island off the coast of Southeast Australia.
In 1803 when the British colonized Australia, Van Diemen’s Land became a penal colony. Prisoners were shipped to the island, from where they were unlikely to escape. Later on, the place became known for its unique animal life and vegetation.