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

St. Ann’s Schoolhouse

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse Marker

Inscription. This log cabin is one of the oldest buildings in western Canada. It was built in the French-Canadian fur trade post and sill style between 1843 and 1852. Bishop Modeste Demers purchased it from carpenter Leon Morel in 1855 and transferred it to the Sisters of St. Ann to use as a schoolhouse. The Sisters arrived in June 5, 1858, living and teaching the children of colonial Victoria in this school which was their first convent.

The first 12 students included Morel’s young daughter, Emilie, the Helmcken daughters and those of Governor James Douglas. First Nation students and Kanaka Islanders also attended classes here.

The schoolhouse was originally located on the grounds of what became St. Ann’s Academy. In 1974 it was moved to this location. This historic building celebrated its 150th anniversary of education in 2008.

[Photo caption]
Actors portray the arrival of the Sisters of St. Ann, June 5 1858 on its 150th anniversary. RBCM Human History, IMG_5242.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1975.

Location. 48° 25.164′ N, 123° 22.014′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. It is at the intersection of Douglas Street and Belleville Street on Douglas Street. St. Ann's Schoolhouse

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is located in Thunderbird Park, near the Royal British Columbia Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria BC V8V 2P8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 Sisters of St. Ann (here, next to this marker); Dr John Sebastian Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Sir James Douglas (a few steps from this marker); St. Ann’s Pioneer Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); Elliot Street Square (a few steps from this marker); Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Log Cabin to Victorian Parlour (a few steps from this marker); Cecilia Helmcken (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

St. Ann’s Schoolhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,073 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.