Central Vancouver in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

64 Pounder Guns

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

1. 64 Pounder Guns Marker

Inscription. In 1878 on the approach of an enemy cruiser squadron these 64 pounder muzzle-loading naval guns were hastily shore mounted to protect Esquimault. Subsequently they were issued to No. 5 Battery B.C. Brigade of Garrison Artillery, the first citizen militia unit in Vancouver. That historic battery became the present British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 49° 16.778′ N, 123° 6.641′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Greater Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is at the intersection of Beatty Street and Dunsmuir Street, on the right when traveling north on Beatty Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 Beatty Street, Vancouver BC V6B 2L9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sherman (here, next to this marker); Drill Hall (a few steps from this marker); Ram Mk II (within shouting distance of this marker); Percy Williams Statue (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); 326 West Pender Street (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); BC Permanent Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Flack Block (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Terry Fox Plaza (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

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A Proud History. The British Columbia Regiment's website. Their history page provides more context on the events alluded to on the marker: "...The Russo-Turkish War in 1878 had some far-reaching effects that extended as far as the Pacific Ocean. The British Fleet had sailed through the Dardanelles into the Black Sea and threatened war against Russia. The Russians had retaliated by sending a formidable Squadron to the Pacific coast and threatened to attack the Coastal towns of British Columbia. The Russians used San Francisco as their base, and one memorable incident occurred when a Russian cruiser appeared off Esquimalt on a "friendly" visit. With only one small British gunboat present, the Russians could easily have destroyed the British vessel, burned the dockyard and shelled Victoria. In light of the vulnerabilities exposed in this incident, the Admiralty provided spare guns for the protection of the harbours in the area and several defensive batteries were constructed and manned by British Artillerymen." (Submitted on March 25, 2012.)

64 Pounder Guns and Marker - wide view, looking across Beatty Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

2. 64 Pounder Guns and Marker - wide view, looking across Beatty Street

The gun and marker are visible just to the right of the tree, on the grounds of Drill Hall.

64 Pounder - Muzzle Plug image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

3. 64 Pounder - Muzzle Plug

The muzzle plug is faced with the coat of arms of the British Columbia Garrison Artillery.

64 Pounder Guns and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

4. 64 Pounder Guns and Marker

The marker is visible here mounted to the armory wall behind the gun.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 748 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 25, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.