[4] Joseph Moir, a skilled Scotsman in iron-mongering, settled in Hobart in 1829 and acquired multiple parcels of land throughout the region.

Designed and built by Moir in only eight months, the Taroona Shot Tower became the tallest building in Australia when it was completed in 1870.

Initially protected by a tariff, the shot business faced challenges after Australia's federation in 1901, leading to the cessation of operations in 1905 under then-operator William Baynton.

In an effort to adapt, Baynton's wife established a tea shop at the tower's base, marking the beginning of its use for tourism.

Recognizing its significance, the Tasmanian Government designated the Shot Tower, its surrounding land, and structures as the Scenery Reserve in 1956.