Convict heritage

Convict heritage refers to the historical sites, structures, and stories associated with the transportation of prisoners by colonial powers, particularly in Australia. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many convicts were sent to penal colonies to serve their sentences. Over time, their labor and infrastructure—such as prisons, bridges, and buildings—created lasting physical evidence of this history. Recognizing convict heritage helps us understand the social and historical impacts of colonization, the justice system of the time, and how these convict experiences shape modern national identities. It is preserved as part of the cultural landscape and educational history.