James Bay in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Sir James Douglas
1803-1877
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
1. Sir James Douglas Marker
[English]
Justifiably described as “the father of British Columbia”, Douglas was born in Demerara. He joined the North West Company in 1819, serving at Fort William and Ile a la Crosse where he was taken into the Hudson’s Bay Company. Rising rapidly in that service he became a member of the Columbia District Board in 1845, company agent at Vancouver Island in 1849 and second Governor of the colony two years later. His firm and wise rule, particularly during the gold rush of 1858, preserved peace and order and led to his appointment as Governor of the colony of British Columbia which was founded in the same year. He died at Victoria.
[French]
Douglas, natif de Demerara, est considéré comme le «pere de la Colombie-Britannique». Au service de la Compagnie de la Baie d’Hudson, il obtint de rapides promotions et, en 1845, devint membre de la Commission du district de Columbia. Agent de la compangnie à l’ile Vancouver en 1849, il devint governeur de la colonie deux ans plus tard. Sa clairvoyance et sa fremeté, surtout à l’époque de la ruée vers l’or de 1858, assurèrent la paix et l’ordre et lui valurent d’être nommé gouverneur de la colonie de la Colombie-Britannique, fondée cette même année. Il mourut à Victoria.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada.
Government
this page online
Erected 1946 by Government of Canada/Governement du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 48° 25.166′ N, 123° 22.004′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. Marker is at the intersection of Douglas Street and Belleville Street on Douglas Street. This marker is located in Thunderbird Park, near the Helmcken House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 606 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8V 2P8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); Log Cabin to Victorian Parlour (a few steps from this marker); The Sisters of St. Ann (a few steps from this marker); Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Dr John Sebastian Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Cecilia Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); The Children’s Graves (a few steps from this marker); St. Ann’s Pioneer Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011
2. Sir James Douglas Marker near the Helmcken House.
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 1,258 times since then and 17 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.
