A small band of Van Diemen's Land Company personnel arrived at Circular Head (now named Stanley) in October 1826. They were the first Europeans to attempt to settle this rugged and remote north-west corner of Tasmania. The Van Diemen's Land Company had been formed 2 years previously by a group of London based businessmen to establish a successful wool growing venture to supply the needs of the British textile industry. Highfield Historic Site was built in 1832 as the company's headquarters.
This historic site is being carefully restored by the Tasmanian Government and is open for visitation.