Quesnel in Cariboo, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Collins’ Overland International Telegraph
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Le Reseau Telegraphique International Collins 1864-1867
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 3, 2008
1. Collins’ Overland International Telegraph Marker
Promoted by Perry Collins, the U.S. Commercial Agent in Russia, and dependent on the Western Union Telegraph Company’s money, men and technology for its execution, this early telegraph line roused the enthusiasm of the white residents of British Columbia. At no expense to them the colony was to be a vital link in a line joining Europe and America via Russia. In 1867, after completion of the more economical Trans-Atlantic cable, construction ceased at Fort Stager at the confluence of the Kispyap and Skeena Rivers. The section from New Westminster to the Cariboo was brought by the Canadian Government in 1880.
this page online
Erected 1931 by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 52° 58.519′ N, 122° 29.887′ W. Marker is in Quesnel, British Columbia, in Cariboo. It is at the intersection of Front Street (Provincial Highway 97) and Carson Street, on the left when traveling north on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 168 Front St, Quesnel BC V2J 2K4, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the BC Interior and in Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies:
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bridging the Cottonwood (was approx. 15.9 kilometers away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 3, 2008
2. Collins’ Overland International Telegraph Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,755 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on June 24, 2025, by Sam Skeen of State College, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2008, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
