The area was first settled by BB Thomas in 1826 and in 1861 this settlement was named after Charles La Trobe (1801-1875), a lieutenant governor of Victoria and Tasmania. Latrobe had a river crossing at that time. A number of listed buildings on Gilbert Street have survived from this period. The place lost importance when the railway between Devonport and Launceston was built.
The city of Latrobe has recently added other small towns such as Port Sorell, Shearwater, Hawley, Wesley Vale, Sassafras, Moriarty and Tarlet, bringing the population to around 8,000 people.
Culture and sights
Various festivals take place in Latrobe, of which the wood chopping competition in particular is known nationwide. The most important wood chippers are honored in the local Axeman's Hall of Fame . There is also a courthouse museum and a producer of cherry jam and cherry liqueur.
