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

Old Victoria Custom House

Ancien Édifice de la Douane de Victoria

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. Old Victoria Custom House Marker

Inscription.
(English)
Completed in 1875 in the Second Empire style, Victoria’s original Custom House is a distinguished example of the buildings erected by the new Federal Government after Confederation. It regulated the trade of the West Coast’s busiest port and symbolized the pre-eminence of Victoria as a commercial centre in the late 19th century. Goldseekers from around the world converged on its steps to obtain miners’ licences before embarking for the Klondike in 1898. This elegant structure recalls efforts to establish a federal presence across Canada through the construction of impressive public buildings.

(French)
Complété en 1875 dans le style Second Empire, ce ancien édifice de la douane est un exemple remarquable du genre de bâtiment qu’érgeait le nouveau gouvernement fédéral après la Confédération. Il servait à réglementer les activités du port le plus fréquenté de la côte ouest et reflétait l’importance commerciale de Victoria à la fin du XIXe siècle. En 1898, les chercheurs d’or y affluèrent pour obtenir des permis d’extraction minière avant de partir pour le Klondike. Cet élégant immeuble évoque les efforts déployés par le gouvernement pour assurer sa présence à travers le pays au moyen d’édifices publics imposants.

Erected 2000 by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada/Commission

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des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 48° 25.465′ N, 123° 22.188′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Wharf Street and Broughton Street on Wharf Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1002 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W 1T4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The 75th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy (a few steps from this marker); Fort Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birthplace of Victoria (within shouting distance of this marker); Vancouver Island Wallmap Mural (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Victoria (about 120 meters away); Windsor Hotel (about 120 meters away); The “Veteran Sailor” (about 120 meters away); 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Also see . . . Customs House. HistoricPlaces.ca's webpage for the Customs House. From the heritage value statement for the structure:"...This building
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. Old Victoria Custom House
The marker is located on the front stairs.
is significant as one of few remaining works constructed under the tenure of T.S. Scott, Canada's first Chief Architect of Public Works. Customs House is the earliest example in British Columbia of Canada's first distinctive national architectural style - the Second Empire Style elements, such as the mansard roof line of this building are reflective of standard architectural vocabulary of late nineteenth century public works across Canada. Its traditional form is indicative of its regulatory functions within Victoria's harbour; the lower receiving floor and upper offices surmounted by a roof-top viewing deck allowed for convenient physical and visual access to the water...." (Submitted on November 4, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)

Old Victoria Custom Houser image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

3. Old Victoria Custom Houser

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.