History
The island was originally known as 'mallone' or 'mallin' in the local Aboriginal language. In 1835 a whaling station was established on the island and purchased by John Griffiths, after whom the island was named. At about the same time, sealers established themselves there, though overhunting soon eradicated the local population of seals. Whaling ceased in 1843.
In about 1850 a mission to the Aborigines was established on the island, though it only lasted about three years.
Read more about this topic: Griffiths Island
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