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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Historical Markers and War Memorials in British Columbia

 
Gilbert Malcom Sproat (1834-1913) image, Touch for more information
R.H. Trueman via British Columbia Archives A-01770 (Public domain), circa 1870
Gilbert Malcom Sproat (1834-1913)
1 British Columbia, Alberni-Clayoquot, Great Central — A Versatile Pioneer
Sproat Lake is named for Gilbert Malcolm Sproat, scholar, author, anthropologist, businessman, and avid British Columbian from his arrival in 1860. He co-founded Port Alberni's first sawmill in 1861, was British Columbia's first agent-general in . . . Map (db m188030) HM
2 British Columbia, Alberni-Clayoquot, Port Alberni — Bicentennial of the Spanish Expeditions to the Northwest Coasts of America1771–1991
[Upper Marker]: Pedro de Alberni, Captain of the Catalan Volunteers and Commander of the Spanish Establishment at Santa Cruz de Nootka, 1790-1792. Offered by the Government of Spain on the occasion of the visit of the Spanish . . . Map (db m9155) HM
3 British Columbia, Alberni-Clayoquot, Port Alberni — Forest Industry in British ColumbiaL’Industrie Forestiere en Colombie-Britannique
Harvesting of the forest has long been an important aspect of life on the Pacific Coast. The native people were the first to utilize this valuable resource in the construction of dwellings, canoes, and implements. In the nineteenth century, spars . . . Map (db m9192) HM
4 British Columbia, Alberni-Clayoquot, Ucluelet — 1906 Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
Amphitrite Point was named after the naval warship, H.M.S. Amphitrite, in 1859 by Captain George H. Richards of the Royal Navy. Captain Richards was responsible for surveying much of Vancouver Island's coastline during this period. The original . . . Map (db m198567) HM
5 British Columbia, Bulkley-Nechako, Fort Fraser — Grand Trunk Pacific
The last spike in Canada's second trans-continental railroad was driven near this site on April 7, 1914. The Grand Trunk Pacific became the most important factor in the dvelopment of Central British Columbia. However, financial problems plagued the . . . Map (db m187999) HM
6 British Columbia, Bulkley-Nechako, Southbank — Ootsa Lake Nechako Reservoir
In 1952, the Kenney Dam was constructed on the Nechako River to service the new Alcan aluminum smelter at Kitimat, resulting in the creation of the Nechako Reservoir and the relocation of over 75 families. The damming also linked the rivers and . . . Map (db m8855) HM
7 British Columbia, Bulkley-Nechako, Telkwa — Overland Telegraph
Perry Collins, an American, envisioned a land route to link America and Asia by telegraph. All attempts to lay a cable across the Atlantic had failed. Western Union had completed 800 miles northerly from New Westminster in 1865-66, when the ocean . . . Map (db m187980) HM
8 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Above The Sunken Garden
The mound in the centre of the quarry was of an inferior grade of limestone and therefore not quarried. Left intact, it provided a natural viewpoint amid the developing garden beds. Jennie Butchart planted a pair of arbor vitae (trees of . . . Map (db m74451) HM
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9 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Coast Salish Totem Poles
Eagle with Salmon, Orca, Bear with Salmon This Totem Pole, carve in Contemporary Coast Salish style by master carver Doug LaFortune of the Tsawout First Nation, was dedicated on September 9th, 2004 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of . . . Map (db m74456) HM
10 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Concert Lawn
Under the sponsorship of Mr. and Mrs. Ian Ross, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra performed summer concerts on the main lawn between 1953 and 1967. Conducted by Hans Gruber they featured many international artists such as Teresa Stratas, Bernard . . . Map (db m74461) HM
11 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Fountain of the Three Sturgeons
Once the location of a large Japanese teahouse, the view from the fountain is a commanding one of the Butchart Residence across the Main Lawn.Map (db m74485) HM
12 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Organ Pavillion
The Aeolian Pipe Organ played at The Butchart Gardens is an early twentieth century residence instrument equipped with its own pneumatic player. Built by the Aeolian Company of New York this model, once owned by Vancouver department store owner, . . . Map (db m74479) HM
13 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Rose Garden History
The present Rose Garden was built in 1929 and 1930 on the site of the Butchart's vegetable garden. The design was developed by Butler Sturtevant, a Seattle landscape artist, and adapted by Jennie Butchart. The head gardener at the time, Bob . . . Map (db m74483) HM
14 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Ross Fountain Lookout
This smaller quarry was a source of limestone in the 1860s. It was here that Ian Ross, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Butchart, devised his spectacular fountain with the assistance of his plumber, Adrian Butler and his electrician, Vic Dawson. The Ross . . . Map (db m74441) HM
15 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Ross Fountain Lookout
Directly behind the Ross Fountain lies Tod Inlet and the site of the Vancouver Portland Cement Company established in 1904. Adjacent to the plant at Tod Inlet was a village that housed the employees.Map (db m74444) HM
16 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Seed & Fireworks Fields
In 1903, the land now occupied by the Butchart Gardens was purchased from a local dairy farmer, Mr. Fernie. Reservoirs were excavated in 1969 to ensure a water supply for irrigation. The single jet fountain was installed to aerate the water supply . . . Map (db m74459) HM
17 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Soda Fountain Sit-In
The factory buildings have been demolished and the land is now designated as provincial parkland. The one remaining chimney is within The Butchart Gardens and stands as a beacon to the cement industry it once served.Map (db m74447) HM
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18 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Star Pond
This pond was designed by Mr. Butchart for his collection of ducks in 1931. Beyond is the entrance to the Italian Garden through a Lawson cypress hedge.Map (db m74549) HM
19 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — Sunken Garden Lake Sit-in
Limestone was also quarried up the hill from the Sunken Garden. It was transported in ore buckets suspended on cables high above ground from some half a mile away.Map (db m74432) HM
20 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Butchart Boar
The original Porcellino, or little pig, sits on the south side of the Straw Market in Florence, Italy. For generations his nose has been affectionately rubbed to bring good luck, so that today his snout is finely burnished. About 1620 Pietro . . . Map (db m74552) HM
21 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Butchart Gardens / Les Jardins Butchart
Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent landscape in 1904. She established, in the style of the grand estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. An abandoned limestone quarry was . . . Map (db m74419) HM
22 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden is the most formal of Mrs. Butchart's gardens. Created in 1926 on the site of the family tennis court, the well known architect Samuel Maclure worked from Mr. Butchart's ideas to create the garden.Map (db m74551) HM
23 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Japanese Garden
The first of Jennie Butchart's formal gardens, the Japanese Garden was started in 1906. A Japanese landscape artist, Isaburo Kishida, assisted her with the design. Under the supervision of Hugh Lindsay the first of Mrs. Butchart's head gardeners, . . . Map (db m74513) HM
24 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Quarry Walls
The barren rock face of the quarry presented Jennie Butchart with a challenge. She hung in a bosun's chair to plant ivy in the crevices in the rock walls.Map (db m74437) HM
25 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Sunken Garden
The Limestone deposit was exhausted in 1908 and the quarry abandoned. Mrs. Butchart conceived the idea of transforming the barren pit into a garden and thus the Sunken Garden came into being. In 1910 she planted Lombardy poplar trees in an attempt . . . Map (db m74428) HM
26 British Columbia, Capital, Brentwood Bay — The Sunken Garden Lake
The deepest part of the quarry floor was sealed, lined and allowed to fill with water from a natural spring forming a lake 40 ft deep in places. Mr. Butchart stocked the pool with trout which would rise to the surface to be fed when he clapped his . . . Map (db m74438) HM
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27 British Columbia, Capital, Central Saanich — Black Pioneers in British ColumbiaLes Pionniers Noirs de la Colombie-Britannique
In 1858, nearly 800 free Blacks left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. Governor James Douglas had invited them here as promising settlers. Though still faced with intense discrimination, these . . . Map (db m72868) HM
28 British Columbia, Capital, Colwood — Colwood Pioneer Cemetery
The Colwood Pioneer Cemetery was established in the 1890's on land donated by Alfred Thomas Peatt. Originally the site included St. Matthew's Presbyterian Church. The Colwood Women's Institute maintained the cemetery from 1925 to 1993, and then . . . Map (db m72869) HM
29 British Columbia, Capital, Colwood — Fisgard LighthouseLe Phare Fisgard
The first permanent lighthouse on the Pacific coast of Canada, Fisgard was erected in 1859-60 by the British and Colonial Governments to guide mariners into Esquimalt Harbour. Brought from England with the first lightkeeper, the lantern became . . . Map (db m70876) HM
30 British Columbia, Capital, Colwood — Hatley Park
This superb example of an Edwardian park was laid out for James and Laura Dunsmuir in the early 20th century. At its centre stands a Tudor Revival mansion, whose picturesque design is enhanced by a rich array of decoration and fine craftsmanship. . . . Map (db m72870) HM
31 British Columbia, Capital, Colwood — Royal Roads
To seaward lies an anchorage or roadstead first used in 1790 by the Spanish and named in 1846 for its location between Albert Head and Victoria. Unloading place for large vessels serving Victoria in days of sail, it was once a scene of disaster. On . . . Map (db m72871) HM
32 British Columbia, Capital, Colwood — Victoria-Esquimalt FortificationsLes Fortifications de Victoria-Esquimalt
From 1878 to 1956 coast artillery installations protected the city of Victoria and the naval base at Esquimalt. Temporary batteries were constructed in response to the Anglo-Russian crisis of 1878, and in the 1890s Canada negotiated with Great . . . Map (db m72872) HM
33 British Columbia, Capital, Esquimalt, Victoria West — Esquimalt Naval SitesLes Sites Navals d'Esquimalt
The long naval presence here has produced a unique legacy among defence sites in Canada. From its establishment in 1865 until Britain's Royal Navy withdrew in 1906, Esquimalt served as headquarters of the vast Pacific Station. In the Dockyard, the . . . Map (db m72867) HM
34 British Columbia, Capital, Esquimalt, Victoria West — The Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC)Le Corps Féminin de l'Armée Canadienne (CFAC)
Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) Women's service in the military during the Second World War challenged the tradition of all-male armed forces. Between 1941 and 1946, close to 22,000 volunteers enlisted in the CWAC and were posted to bases at home . . . Map (db m72873) HM
35 British Columbia, Capital, Jordan River — diitiida
Here, the mouth of the river is known as diitiida (Drifted Ashore) to the Pacheedaht (People of the Seafoam), and Ditidaht First Nations. At this ancient origin site, the two groups lived together as one people before the Great Flood. Spanish . . . Map (db m187889) HM
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36 British Columbia, Capital, Langford — Western Speedway
Fans of all ages have enjoyed the thrill of auto racing here since 1954, when A.J. Cottyn opened the speedway as a half-mile dirt track. In 1982 local businessman Frank Wille took ownership securing its status as the longest operating speedway in . . . Map (db m187883) HM
37 British Columbia, Capital, Metchosin — Metchosin Schoolhouse
In spring 1872, classes began in Metchosin schoolhouse with Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher teaching 7 girls and 3 boys. On land donated by John Witty and with its $300 cost shared equally by local settlers and the colonial government, it was the first new . . . Map (db m70867) HM
38 British Columbia, Capital, Oak Bay — Chinese CemeteryLe Cimetière Chinois
This place, chosen by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in 1903 for its harmonized elements of Nature expressing the principles of "feng shui", is a significant legacy of the first Canadians of Chinese origin. Traditionally it was a . . . Map (db m72874) HM
39 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — Mayor's Community Builder Awardees at Beacon Park Pavilion
Town of Sidney BC Spirit Squares Beacon Park Pavilion Opened June 28, 2009 by the Honourable Steven Point, Lt. Gov. of BC A legacy of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia . . . Map (db m75464) HM
40 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — Port of Entry Beacon
Port of Entry Beacon was seen in early days by ships at sea Hence, Beacon AvenueMap (db m75341) HM
41 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — War Memorial
. . . Map (db m75469) HM WM
42 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — War Memorial
In memory of the men of this district who gave their lives in the Great War 1914 - 1918 ——— • ——— W.I. Apps • James Arden • H.H. Bedford • V. Cleaves • G.J. Coward • G.C. Cruse • Dean Arnold • H.A. . . . Map (db m75480) WM
43 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — Waterfront Industries
Before town planning and notions of the picturesque, waterfronts were convenient for industrial development. As a transportation hub, Sidney's waterfront boasted a sawmill, a cannery, boatworks and roofing plant, besides rail and ship . . . Map (db m75465) HM
44 British Columbia, Capital, Sidney — Year of the Ocean
If the Oceans of the world perish, so shall we. This mural was painted in celebration of the "International Year of the Ocean", and is a brief glimpse into the story of ocean science on the west coast. A mere fraction of the story is . . . Map (db m75463) HM
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45 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — "Ack Ack" (Anti-Aircraft) ArtilleryLa DCA (artillerie antiaérienne)
During the First World War, Victoria was unprepared to fend off air attacks. In 1921, the 2nd AA (Anti-Aircraft) battery was formed in Victoria. No AA guns existed in Canada, so the unit made do with 13-pounder guns on a locally improvised . . . Map (db m98996) HM
46 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — "Summerdyne"Celebrating Our Heritage
The Burrell family home, "Summerdyne", on Oak Bay Avenue at Monterey looking west - circa 1906 The Burrell family walking east along Oak Bay Avenue near their home - circa 1900Map (db m75299) HM
47 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — 1942 Willys Jeep / Jeep Willys de 1942
Through arctic cold, desert heat, or jungle humidity, the rugged reliability of this no-frills "Vehicle, General Purpose" (G.P.) made it the most successful and recognizable Allied vehicle of the Second World War. Between 1939 and 1945 more . . . Map (db m99346) HM
48 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — 90 mm Anti-Aircraft GunCanon Antiaérien de 90 mm
During the 1950s this type of anti-aircraft gun was part of the Victoria-Esquimalt defences, although it was not used here at Fort Rodd Hill. This American-made weapon had begun to replace the British-designed 3.7-inch gun as the Canadian . . . Map (db m75031) HM
49 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Canteen / Cantine
This building was constructed in about 1900 to served as a canteen where the off-duty soldier could make purchases from a limited stock, drink beer and relax. The building was used as a canteen during summer training periods at Fort Rodd . . . Map (db m98860) HM
50 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Capt. James Cook, R.N.1728-1779
After two historic voyages of the South Pacific[,] Cook was cruising the waters of the Pacific Northwest on his third and final voyage, with his two ships, Resolution and Discovery[.] He was searching for the western exit to the legendary Northwest . . . Map (db m48546) HM
51 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Chinese Cemetery
Before 1903 the remains of early Chinese immigrants were buried in the low-lying, southwestern corner of Ross Bay cemetery. This area was often flooded after a heavy rainstorm. In the early 1900s, high winds and waves eroded a few waterfront . . . Map (db m75449) HM
52 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Coast Defence Artillery Positions: 1878-1956Positions de l’artillerie côtière: 1878-1956
The harbours at Victoria and Esquimalt, and the adjacent coastline were defended by temporary gun emplacements from 1878. International crises during the latter part of the century led to an agreement between the Canadian and British governments . . . Map (db m75210) HM
53 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Defence Electric Light Directing StationPoste de commande des projecteurs d'éclairage
Defence Electric Lights on both sides of Esquimalt Harbour entrance were used to illuminate targets for the guns at night. Engine rooms generated power for the lights. Lights and engines were controlled from this Defence Electric Light . . . Map (db m99440) HM
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54 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Defensible Wall / Mur défensif
This wall protected the battery from attack from the rear. It was both a protected position for riflemen and an obstacle. Barbed wire entanglements and natural cliff faces provided additional defence along the remainder of the battery . . . Map (db m99395) HM
55 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — European exploration in the Strait of Juan de FucaLes Européens explorent le Détroit de Juan de Fuca
Competition for sovereignty and trade drew Europeans to the Pacific Northwest coast in the 1780s. Although long known to First Nations people, the strait received its present name in 1787 when Charles Barkley identified it as the legendary . . . Map (db m80552) HM
56 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Fisgard Lighthouse / Phare de Fisgard
For many years, keepers tended this light. Now we tend the stories of the light. Pendant bien des années, des gardiens ont veillé à entretenir cette lumière. À présent, nous veillons à immortaliser les récits sur ce phare. [Background photos of . . . Map (db m99182) HM
57 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic SiteLe Phare Fisgard, Lieu Historique National
Fisgard Lighthouse was built in 1860 as the first permanent light on the west coast of Canada. Although administered together with Fort Rodd Hill, it is a separate national historic site. There is no historic connection between the two . . . Map (db m75218) HM
58 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Fort Victoria
was erected by Hudson’s Bay Company 1843 Here Colony of Vancouver’s Island was inaugurated by Richard Blanshard 1850 Vancouver’s Island and British Columbia united 1866 Two years later Victoria became the capital of British ColumbiaMap (db m48547) HM
59 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Get Your Bearings / S'Orienter
Imagine the expanse of water between Fisgard Lighthouse and Albert Head (to your right) filled with ships at anchor. Named “Royal Roads” in colonial times, this was a safe anchorage, a place to wait for daylight, calm seas . . . Map (db m99180) HM
60 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Gun Emplacement / Emplacement du canon
One 6-inch gun on a disappearing carriage was mounted in this emplacement. The wall and sunken emplacement helped to conceal and protect the gun and crew from enemy bombardment. The concrete apron and earth glacis extending away from the top of . . . Map (db m76336) HM
61 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Harbour Mouth Defences / Défense de l'entrée du port
During the Second World War, steel mesh anti-torpedo and anti-submarine nets and a log-boom, were erected between this shore and the island occupied by Fisgard Lighthouse, and across to Duntze Head on the opposite side of the harbour. The . . . Map (db m98995) HM
62 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Heavy Metal and Drugs-in 1912? / La machinerie lourde en 1912...
Q: How do you move a 28-ton gun barrel up a hill? A: With great difficulty, and a "gun drug." The heavyweight of Canadian artillery was the 9.2-inch gun. The barrel was 27 feet (11.2 metres) long and weighed 28 tons (this mock-up barrel is a . . . Map (db m99419) HM
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63 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Kwakiutl Bear Pole
Project of Native Indians' Participation Centennial Sub-Committee to commemorate the Union in 1866 of the colonies on Vancouver Island and the mainland as British Columbia Kwakiutl Bear Pole carved by Mr. Henry Hunt of . . . Map (db m74399) HM
64 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Lower Battery / Batterie inférieure
Operating Lower Battery during an alert required discipline, precise timing and constant attention to safety. Take Post Command Procedure #1. Enemy Vessel Sighted #2. Battery Take Post Command Issued #3. Gun Fire Opened #4. . . . Map (db m99233) HM
65 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Naval Defence: Yesterday and TodayLa Défense navale d'hier et d'aujourd'hui
The first Royal Navy warship dropped anchor in Esquimalt Harbour in 1848. Since then, the harbour has witnessed a fascinating evolution of naval power. Though global politics and weapons systems may change, Esquimalt remains a major strategic . . . Map (db m99461) HM
66 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Oak Bay GroceryCelebrating Our Heritage
Oak Bay Grocery - the oldest building in the Village Built in 1912, it is the current location of The Blethering PlaceMap (db m75298) HM
67 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Officer's Quarters / Logements des officiers
When the Second World War began in 1939, tents were used to accommodate the sudden influx of troops. They were quickly replaced by temporary wooden huts of this type. This building is the only example that has survived in place. It was an . . . Map (db m99359) HM
68 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Repository / Manoeuvre du "repository"
Moving artillery pieces from their mountings and moving the mountings themselves, was an awkward and potentially dangerous job for the gun crews. It was accomplished in a routine known as repository drill. The device commonly used for gun . . . Map (db m99207) HM
69 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Royal Canadian Navy
To commemorate the contribution made by ships and men to the naval service of Canada for seventy year since it was founded on 4th May, 1910. Since November, 1910 when H.M.C.S. Rainbow arrived in Esquimalt, ships and men of the R.C.N. have been . . . Map (db m48716) HM
70 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Sahsima
Sahsima, meaning "harpoon", was the original name identified by Songhees elder James Fraser for the point where the Chinese Cemetery is located. Hayls the Transformer, with spirit companions Raven and Mink, came by in his canoe, frightening away . . . Map (db m75313) HM
71 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Searchlight Emplacement / Emplacement de projecteur
During the Second World War, a total of 17 modern searchlights replaced the four original defence electric lights. The 60-inch searchlight mounted in this emplacement was one of two installed at Fort Rodd Hill in 1940. Two similar . . . Map (db m98994) HM
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72 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Second World War Temporary BuildingsBâtiments temporaires érigés durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Mobilized on August 26, 1939—two weeks before Canada declared war on Germany—troops sent to Fort Rodd Hill lived in tents until wooden barracks could be built. Out of more than twenty of these buildings at Fort Rodd Hill, only one . . . Map (db m99236) HM
73 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Spewhung
Turkey Head was known by the indigenous people as Spewhung. A large shell-midden along this shoreline indicates that this was an ancient village site to which first peoples brought many fish, bird, mammal and plant resources. Food was . . . Map (db m75329) HM
74 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Team Work / Travail d'equipe
The ten-man gun crew and ammunition detachment worked closely together to ensure safe and precise loading and firing of the 6-inch guns. They followed a sequence when in action: 1) Gun crew and ammunition detachment alerted and take post at . . . Map (db m99058) HM
75 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The Birthplace of Victoria
We would like to take a moment to share with you the history that you are standing over, around and next to. This harbour was originally the sole domain of the Lekwungen First Nation who plied its protected waters and fished in their dugout . . . Map (db m48749) HM
76 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The First Flight
From this field on Sept. 8, 1910, a pioneering aircraft made its first flight. The Gibson Twin plane, entirely designed, built and flown by William W. Gibson, a Victoria resident, became the first all-Canadian aircraft. This site, then known as . . . Map (db m187893) HM
77 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The Guardhouse / Corps de garde
This structure was designed to accommodate the guard when the battery was fully manned. Consisting of three or four soldiers commanded by a non-commissioned officer, the guard provided sentries to control the gate and patrol the battery . . . Map (db m75775) HM
78 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The Lightkeeper's Boat / L'embarcation du gardien de phare
A rowboat was the only link between lighthouse and land, and sometimes the only thing standing between life and death. Seule une chaloupe reliait le phare à la terre ferme, et c'était parfois l'unique moyen de rester en vie. . . . Map (db m99060) HM
79 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The Parade of Ships
These plaques commemorate famous vessels in the history of Victoria and pay tribute to pioneers they brought to this new land, the men and women who fought the good fight and built Victoria and British Columbia. This key plaque . . . Map (db m231567) HM
80 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — The Victoria and Esquimalt Coast DefencesDéfense côtère de Victoria et d'Esquimalt
This viewpoint illustrates the commanding position required for a coast defence gun battery. The trees in front were topped when the emplacement was in use. A total of 27 locations were occupied by the coast defences between 1878 and 1956. . . . Map (db m99460) HM
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81 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Tlikwaynung
This small islet and the adjacent shore were once an indigenous encampment connected with the village at McNeill Bay, Chikawich, to the west. The people living here ate over 20 species of fish and 15 species of birds, as well as deer, sea . . . Map (db m75340) HM
82 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Tsukuba1880-1980
13 gun – 1034 ton Naval Cadet Training 3 masted screw corvette Commanded by Capt. Norimichi Aiura Imperial Japanese Navy First Japanese naval vessel to visit Canadian water 10 June 1880 Erected on the occasion of the visit of the Japan . . . Map (db m48715) HM
83 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Underground Magazine / Magasin souterrain
Excavated from solid rock, this underground magazine provided a secure and dry storage area for ammunition. The shells were wheeled to the guns. The cartridges were carried up the passageways and passed through the issue hatches. Strict . . . Map (db m99057) HM
84 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Upper Battery / Batterie supérieure
A coast artillery battery consists of one or more gun emplacements and supporting structures and equipment. Its role was defensive; to prevent attack by enemy warships through the use of artillery. The layout of Upper Battery is typical of . . . Map (db m75248) HM
85 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Upper, Lower, Belmont BatteriesBatteries supérieure, inférieure et Belmont
These batteries were constructed at Fort Rodd Hill between 1895 and 1900, as part of the defences of Esquimalt Harbour. Upper and Lower Batteries, with their three large 6 inch guns, were designed to counter bombard enemy warships. Belmont . . . Map (db m75216) HM
86 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Warrant Officers Married Quarters / Logement de l'adjudant
This building was constructed in 1897. It was built of brick to British Royal Engineer specifications and during its life it was subjected to several modifications. Originally it was to accommodate a Master Gunner and his family, but a . . . Map (db m99253) HM
87 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria — Wisdom on the Water / Prudence en Mer
How did people navigate this coastline before lighthouses and GPS? Comment les gens naviguaient-ils le long de la côte avant les phares et le GPS? ————————————— . . . Map (db m99204) HM
88 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy
Prior to 1910. the Royal Navy provided maritime defence of British North America and for the Dominion of Canada from 1867. With World War I brewing in Europe early in the 20th century, Great Britain redistributed the British fleet and reduced its . . . Map (db m49075) HM
89 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — 713 JohnsonDesigned in 1908 by Victorian architects Thomas Hooper and Charles Elwood Watkins
This building is a good example of Edwardian commercial architecture. It was built for William James Marble as a carriage factory, replacing the original wooden structure from 1885. Early painted signage is still visible on the east façade. In 1938, . . . Map (db m48748) HM
90 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Amor De Cosmos, 1825-1897
[English] Amor De Cosmos (Lover of the Universe) was the name adopted by William Smith of Windor, Nova Scotia, while in the California goldfields. In 1858 he arrived in Victoria and founded the opposition journal, the Colonist. For over two decades . . . Map (db m49079) HM
91 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Arbutus Tree (Arbutus menziesii)
The only native broadleaf evergreen tree in Canada, the Arbutus is found from the southern coastline of BC to California. In BC the Arbutus grows in a narrow band along the south coast line, generally within 5 kilometers (3 miles), of the ocean. . . . Map (db m74403) HM
92 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Boomerang Court and Chancery Lane
You are standing in Bastion Square, a public space dating back to the Victorian Era. There are many alleys and walkways to explore, connecting Bastion Square to nearby streets to see the heart of Victoria’s Old Town Historical Site. Chancery Lane . . . Map (db m49226) HM
93 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Cast Iron Panels
The cast iron panels on this fence are from the Driard Hotel, built in 1892 and designed by architect John Teaque. It was Victoria’s most prestigious hotel prior to the construction of the Empress Hotel. A reconstructed portion of the original hotel . . . Map (db m48477) HM
94 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Chinese General Store
For many years the building on the near left side of this photograph (where you are standing) was a Chinese general store. It was taken down in the early 1960s to enlarge the intersection. You can see a streetcar on Johnson Street crossing . . . Map (db m49154) HM
95 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Congregation Emanu-El
The Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue was built in 1863, just five years after the arrival if the first members of Victoria's Jewish community during the Fraser River gold rush period. Its opening was widely celebrated in Victoria for, despite their . . . Map (db m72875) HM
96 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Customs House
[English] The 1957 portion of the building was renovated to provide retail space and a heritage facade compatible with the original 1914 section. This project was completed by Public Works Canada as a contribution to the historical preservation . . . Map (db m48544) HM
97 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Dragon Alley
During this district’s boom of 1881 – 1884, sixteen thousand Chinese established themselves within this area of Victoria. Thus emerged six blocks of businesses, theatres, a hospital, schools, churches, temples, opium factories, gambling dens . . . Map (db m49155) HM
98 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Empress HotelL’Hotel Empress
[English] This hotel was built between 1904 and 1908, and has since been enlarged twice. The architect, Francis M. Rattenbury, followed the practice of the Canadian Pacific Railway in employing the Chateau style, identifiable by the steep slate . . . Map (db m49238) HM
99 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — Fifth Regiment of Garrison Artillery
The Fifth Regiment of Garrison Artillery marches down Government Street in December 1915 on their way to the Inner Harbour, where they boarded a steamer to Vancouver. They would join other Canadian troops fighting in Europe in World War I. The tall . . . Map (db m49153) HM
100 British Columbia, Capital, Victoria, Downtown — First British Columbia School
On this site Rev. R.J. Staines and wife opened the first British Columbia School in 1849. In the same building of Fort Victoria the first Legislative Assembly met August 12th 1856. [Plaque below] This plaque unveiled by Honorable Nancy Hodges, . . . Map (db m48521) HM

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Mar. 19, 2024