USA: Great New Orleans Fire (1788)
On this day in 1788, New Orleans in Louisiana, was virtually destroyed by a fire that destroyed 856 of the 1100 buildings in the city. On the 8th December 1794 the city was again struck by a large fire, destroying 212 buildings.
For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_New_Orleans_Fire_(1788)
http://images.mitrasites.com/great-new-orleans-fire-(1788).html
Australia Day
This day is the day that Australians celebrate as Australia Day.
On this day in 1788, the First Fleet had arrived and the first landing was made inside Port Jackson (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) by the pioneering first settlers from Britain.
For more on Australia Day visit:
http://www.australiaday.org.au/
Australia – New South Wales: Transportation of Convicts to New South Wales Ended
On this day in 1840, the transportation of convicts to the colony of New South Wales in Australia ended. Transportation of convicts to New South Wales began with the departure of the first convicts from England on the 13th May 1787, with the first convicts arriving at Botany Bay on the 20th January 1788. Transportation of convicts continued in to other areas of Australia until the last ship arrived in Western Australia on the 10th January 1868.
First Fleet Leaves England for Australia
On this day in 1787, 11 ships known as the First Fleet left England for Australia. On board were 1487 people, including 778 convicts. Their destination was Botany Bay in what was then known as New Holland. The expedition was under the leadership of Captain Arthur Phillip, soon to be Governor Phillip and later Admiral Phillip. The First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay from the 18th January 1788.
An account of the journey can be found at the Internet Archive. I am currently working on a copy of this work for the Tracing our History website.
A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay, by Watkin Tench
http://www.archive.org/details/acompleteaccount03534gut
History for Today 