The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia is an island group in the south Pacific. It was discovered by Cook on 4th September 1774, and seized by the French in 1853 who then colonised the islands. In 1878 the native tribes revolted, burning some of the towns and villages and killing some 90 Europeans including the military commandant, colonel Gally-Passebose. Later in the 19th century New Caledonia was used as a French penal settlement.
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