America Bay

Reference: pp 1-2

America Bay is at the entrance to Cowan Creek running out of Refuge Bay, the name is said to have originated during World War 11 when U.S. troops were in the area, but the name was mentioned by Surveyor Larmer in 1832. The name probably originated from the use of the bay by American whaling and sailing vessels large numbers of which worked along the New South Wales coast in the early 19th century. In 1840 the captain of the Beagle reported there were between 200 and 300 American whalers working along the coast. The bay offered a sheltered anchorage with fresh water, and could not be seen by the eyes of officialdom at Port Jackson. Because of the trade monopoly held by the East India Company commercial vessels were not allowed to carry cargo between the U.K.and N.S.W until 1819. American ships took advantage of this and traded across the Pacific, their cargoes usually included substantial quantities of rum.