Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

The Bastion Cannons

Bastion Square

— Come see the history you never knew we had... —

The Bastion Cannons Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. The Bastion Cannons Marker

Inscription. You are standing at the entrance to Bastion Square Bastion Square is a legacy of Fort Victoria whose two log towers or “Bastions” were located near here. The Hudson’s Bay Company, which remains as a store across the street, built the fort in 1843 including a surrounding log wall or “palisade”. The two bastions on opposite corners of the fort, held cannons at the top for defence [sic] and one also housed the fort’s jail. Looking closely at the sidewalk, you can see the bricks that outlined the log towers and wall which were demolished after The Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858’

Bastion Square has evolved as a public square since the Victorian era. Earlier in this century, it was not a popular place for people to gather, but it was revitalized in the 1960s. Near the harbour, at the far side of Bastion Square, you can see three plaques with the names of people who were proudly involved in revitalizing the area. In 1971, the historic conservation and renewal of Bastion Square was nationally recognized as the recipient of a Massey Award for excellence in urban design. Today, it is the heart of Victoria’s Old Town National Historic Site.
photo courtesy BC Archives

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 48°

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25.54′ N, 123° 22.063′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Government Street and View Street on Government Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1150 Government Street, Victoria BC V8W 1Y2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Bastion (here, next to this marker); Fort Victoria (a few steps from this marker); The Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); First British Columbia School (within shouting distance of this marker); Percy Leonard James (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Salvation Army (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Also see . . . Fort Victoria - Fortwiki. (Submitted on October 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. fur trade, Hudson's Bay Company

The Bastion, detail from the Bastion Cannons Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. The Bastion, detail from the Bastion Cannons Marker

Photograph courtesy BC Archives.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

3. The Bastion Cannons Marker

Note the brick pattern in the pavement outlining the location of the Bastion.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.