American River is a town in the Australian state of South Australia located on the western shore of Eastern Cove on Kangaroo Island. The area now known as American River was first visited by Europeans in 1802 when Matthew Flinders landed to survey this part of Kangaroo Island. In 1803, a group of American sealers camped for four months in the area. They arrived on the brig Union and built their own 35 ton schooner Independence from local timber. The town takes its name from this time. A memorial plaque and accompanying anchor from an early American whaling vessel is dedicated to Union's crew.
Population: 280 (2021 census)
Established: 1842
Postcode(s): 5221
Location: 120 km (75 mi) south of Adelaide city centre · 19 km (12 mi) south-east of Kingscote
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