Charles La Trobe

Charles Joseph La Trobe CB (20 March 1801 – 4 December 1875), commonly Latrobe, was appointed in 1839 superintendent of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales and, after the establishment in 1851 of the colony of Victoria (now a state of Australia), he became its first lieutenant-governor.

In the 1830s, La Trobe headed a Grand Tour trip for Albert Pourtales, encompassing North America. On the trip, the two sometimes traveled with Washington Irving and Henry Leavitt Ellsworth. They witnessed Indian Removal, indigenous customs, and visited natural attractions like Niagara Falls and Minnehaha Falls.

La Trobe was a strong supporter of religious, cultural and educational institutions. During his time as superintendent and lieutenant-governor he oversaw the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, and provided leadership and support to the formation of entities such as the Mechanic's Institute, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Philharmonic, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the University of Melbourne.

La Trobe was the son of Christian Ignatius Latrobe, a prominent Moravian bishop, and nephew of British architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe.