When Bauldin's ship 'Le Geographe' anchored in Nepean Bay in January 1803. Mary very likey came ashore in this area with the french working parties, thus becoming the first European woman to set foot on South Australian soil.
Her story, however, has a wider significance. She stands for all those women, aboriginal and others, taken by sealers, seamen and settlers to serve them as wives and housekeepers. Their stories have been obliterated, but many showed great strength in not simply surviving but in achieving meaningful lives in the most tragic circumstances. Their memory is honoured at this place.
The memorial sculpture was designed by Deborah Sleeman of Muston, Kangaroo Island. The upper section of the sculpture symbolises the sails and winds of fate that bought Mary to this place before official settlement. The skirt represents Mary herself and the forgotten women of the island.
Historian Anthony Brown came accross Mary Beckwith's story while researching the voyages and encounters of explorers Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin during 1802-1803. This memorial was dedicated by him on April 4 2002 as part of the Encounter 2002 bicentenary celebrations.
The cache can be found at Baudin Beach and is a black container with small swaps.
Maintenance for this cache will be provided by the geocaching team Fishingmad.
