Story: North Americans

Miners at Addisons Flat, West Coast

Miners at Addisons Flat, West Coast

Gold prospectors included some African Americans, and one gave his name to Addisons Flat near the Buller River on the West Coast of the South Island. He precipitated a gold rush by discovering the precious metal there in May 1867. African Americans were among the first immigrants from the United States. A handful crewed New England whaling ships in the 1830s and 1840s, often serving as cooks. The connection has continued: in 2002 some 291 African Americans lived in New Zealand.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'North Americans - 1797–1870: years of opportunity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/457/miners-at-addisons-flat-west-coast (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Mar 2015