Central Vancouver in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Here Stood Hamilton
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010
1. Here Stood Hamilton Marker
The marker was unveiled on the evening of April 20, 1952, as part of the 67th anniversary of the incorporation of Vancouver. The marker was created by the English sculptor Sydney March.
Hamilton
First Land Commissioner
Canadian Pacific Railway
1885
in the silent solitude
of the primeval forest
He drove a wooden stake
in the earth and commenced
to measure an empty land
into the streets of
Vancouver
Erected 1952.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 49° 16.967′ N, 123° 6.611′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Greater Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on West Hastings Street close to Hamilton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1H6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dominion Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Flack Block (within shouting distance of this marker); 326 West Pender Street (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); BC Permanent Building (about 120 meters away); Taylor Building (about 180 meters away); Edward Hotel (about 180 meters away); Gastown (about 210 meters away); The Gastown Steam Clock (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.
Also see . . .
this page online
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 8, 2010
2. Here Stood Hamilton Marker Detail - Vancouver's (2nd) Coat of Arms
Lauchlan Hamilton's, the Canadian Pacific Commissioner, not only began the initial process of laying out the City of Vancouver, he also designed the city's first coat of arms, which was in use from 1886 to 1903. Pictured above is the second version of the city's coat of arms, and bears little resemblance to Hamilton's version, except that it carries the same motto, "By Sea and Land We Prosper". The second version was replaced by the third version in 1969, which carried over many heraldic elements from the second version, and can be seen on the city's Heritage Building historical markers today.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 11, 2010
3. Here Stood Hamilton Marker - wide view looking across West Hastings St.
Photographed By Harry T. Devine, 1886
4. First Vancouver City Council Meeting after fire
Lauchlan Hamilton was also an alderman on the Vancouver City Council. This photo shows the first city council meeting after fire burned down the entire city on June 13, 1886. Hamilton is shown here, seated as the left-most person on the right-hand table. (Image courtesy of the Vancouver Public Library)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,044 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 4, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
