Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
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 his irrepressible pen and exuberant oratory championed the causes of responsible government and Confederation. He sat for Victoria in the Legislative Assembly (1863-74) and in the House of Commons (1871-82), and served briefly (1872-4) as provincial premier. Defeated in 1882, the stormy petrel of British Columbia politics retired from public life. He died in Victoria.
[French]
C’est dans les champs aurifères de la California que William Smith, de Windsor (N.-É.), choisit de s’appeler Amor De Cosmos (Amant de l’Univers). Arrivé à Victoria en 1858, il y fonda le Colonist, journal d’opposition. Pendant plus de vingt ans, par sa plume irrépressible et son verbe emflammé il prôns la responsabilité ministérielle et le système fédératif. Député de Victoria à l’Assemblée législative (1863-74) et à la Chambre des Communes (1871-82), il fut aussi premier ministre de sa province de 1872 à 1874. En 1882, ce bouillant homme politique fut défait et se retira de la vie publique. Il mourut à Victoria.
Erected 1948 by Historic Sites and Monuments Board
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 48° 25.563′ N, 123° 22.188′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. Marker is on Wharf Street. This marker is located in Bastion Square. Bastion Square is located between Wharf and Government Streets at the foot of View Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1205 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W 1T8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Signing Post (a few steps from this marker); Mizzen Mast – H.M.S. Algerine (within shouting distance of this marker); Boomerang Court and Chancery Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Victoria Law Courts (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie (within shouting distance of this marker); Leiser Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Bell Tower (about 90 meters away); S.J. Pitts, Importer (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Also see . . . Amor De Cosmos - Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 991 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.