An American Caesar in Brisbane

The principal campus of the University of Queensland occupies loop or pocket in local terms, on the north bank of the Brisbane River.

The first building, was completed in 1939 and named the Forgan Smith Building after the Premier of the day, but during the Second World War it was turned from academic to military use

General Dougls Macarthur reached Brisbane from the Phillipines via Townsville, Adelaide and Melbourne, in July 1942. Initally he set up his headquarters in the AMP building on the corner of Queens and Edward Streets. After the Battle of Brisbane he moved to this much more commodious location.

Forgan-Smith Building UofQ

Surprisingly, despite its appearance, it was not designed for this purpose.

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