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

"Gassy Jack"

1830-1875

— The Founding Father of Gastown —

"Gassy Jack" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010

1. "Gassy Jack" Marker

Inscription. John Deighton was born in Hull, England. He was an adventurer, river boat pilot and captain, but best known for his "gassy" monologues as a saloonkeeper. His Deighton House Hotel, erected here on the first subdivided lot, burned in the Great Fire of June 13, 1886.

On December 25, 1986, this statue was dedicated to the City of Vancouver by the owner of this historic site, Howard Meakin, a third generation Vancouver realtor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1864.

Location. 49° 17.001′ N, 123° 6.259′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. It is at the intersection of Powell Street and Carrall Street on Powell Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vancouver BC V6B 1B2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Lower Mainland

and in Coast & Mountains.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Maple (here, next to this marker); Byrnes Block (a few steps from this marker); Nagle Bros. Garage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Packing House (within shouting distance of this marker); Abrams Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Cordage Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grand Hotel / The Terminus Hotel

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Robinson Block / Rene Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on the lower part of the statue, which is located in Maple Tree Square, at the confluence of Powell, Alexander, Water, and Carrall Streets.

Also see . . . John Deighton. The Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online's short biography of Gassy Jack. (Submitted on February 12, 2011.)

"Gassy Jack" Statue and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010

2. "Gassy Jack" Statue and Marker

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010

3. Gassy Jack

Mounted above the marker is a metal plaque reading:
Gassy Jack
Capt. John Deighton 1830-1875
"The Father of Gastown"

Closeup of Gassy Jack Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010

4. Closeup of Gassy Jack Statue

"Gassy Jack" Marker and Statue - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010

5. "Gassy Jack" Marker and Statue - wide view

The statue is in Maple Tree Square, named after the large maple tree near Gassy Jack's first saloon in Vancouver. The maple was located approximately where the statue now stands. In the background is the Byrnes Block, completed in 1887.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,767 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 12, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.