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

Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken Marker

Inscription. John Sebastian Helmcken was born in London in 1924. He trained to be a doctor at Guys Hospital, London. He arrived in Victoria as a surgeon and clerk for the Hudson Bay Company on March 24, 1850.

Dr. Helmcken entered politics in 1856, becoming the first Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on Vancouver Island. Though re-elected on a campaign against Confederation, Helmcken helped negotiate the entry of British Columbia into Canada in 1871. He then returned to medicine and the raising of his children.

He was renowned as a doctor, inoculating hundreds during the smallpox outbreak of 1862. He also served as president of both Royal Jubilee Hospital and the BC Medical Society.

In old age, he wrote his memoirs while being cared for by his daughter, Edith (“Dolly”). John Sebastian Helmcken died in this house in 1920.

[Photo caption]
Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, c. 1854. Bradley and Rulofson. RBCM BCA A-01354.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1858.

Location. 48° 25.171′ N, 123° 22.016′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. Marker can be reached from Douglas Street close to Belleville Street. This marker is located in Thunderbird Park next to the

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Helmcken House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 638 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. Log Cabin to Victorian Parlour (here, next to this marker); Dr John Sebastian Helmcken (here, next to this marker); Cecilia Helmcken (a few steps from this marker); Elliot Street Square (a few steps from this marker); St. Ann’s Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); The Sisters of St. Ann (a few steps from this marker); Sir James Douglas (a few steps from this marker); The Children’s Graves (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. Doctor John Sebastian Helmcken Marker

Of the three markers, the Doctor Helmcken marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.