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History of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Journey back in time to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Victoria
Victoria, BC, incorporated as a city in 1862, the capital of British Columbia, the City of Victoria is situated on the southern tip of VANCOUVER ISLAND, about 100 km south of Vancouver. Occupying a peninsular site, Victorians view the bordering JUAN DE FUCA and Haro straits, backed by the Olympic Mountains of Washington to the south and the San Juan Islands to the east, with the majestic, volcanic peak of Mount Baker in the distance. The metropolitan area is characterized by a number of low hills interspersed with relatively flat areas, and is bordered on the west by the fjord-like Saanich Inlet and the richly forested higher elevations of Malahat Ridge and the Sooke Hills.
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VINTAGE VICTORIA
Victoria Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
Gore Bridge, Victoria, B.C.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Map
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Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
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Government & Belleville Streets (1919)
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
Autos in Beacon Hill Park
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Postcard
C.P.R. Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to VICTORIA
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Victoria: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Victoria through the years.
1843 - Victoria, British Columbia founded
Fort Victoria established in 1843; Victoria incorporated in 1862.
1855 - With the discovery of gold on the British Columbia mainland in 1855, Victoria became the port, supply base, and outfitting centre for miners on their way to the Fraser Canyon gold fields,
mushrooming from a population of 300 to over 5000 literally within a few days.
1861--Population of Vancouver’s Island, through immigration, 3,024, of whom 2,350 are in Victoria and its vicinity.
(Governor Douglas’ Dispatch.)
Victoria was incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after Queen Victoria.
1866 - The Colony of British Columbia and Colony of Vancouver Island are united as British Columbia, with the capital at Victoria.
1873
VICTORIA, the seat of Government and capital of British Columbia, is situated near the S.E. extremity of Vancouver Island, where the adjoining Strait of Fuca is 17 miles in breadth, 143 miles from Olympia (Puget'sSound), 320 miles from Portland (Oregon),3,000 miles from Montreal. Lat. 48° 25' 20" N., Lon. 123° 22' 34" W.
The surroundings of Victoria are singularly beautiful. To the south is a wide stretch of sea, closed in by the magnificent range of the Olympian mountain's. These mountains, the lower portion of which is shaded with a soft velvety mist, and the tops covered with snow strongly reflecting the rays of the sun, form the most prominent feature in the landscape. To the eastward is Mount Baker, which, at a distance of nearly 100 miles, rears its snowy peak far away into the clouds. To the west-ward is a long wide stretch of sea, bounded on one side by the Olympian range and on the other by the rocks and mountains of Vancouver, jutting out here and there into the Strait;...
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The surroundings of Victoria are singularly beautiful. To the south is a wide stretch of sea, closed in by the magnificent range of the Olympian mountain's. These mountains, the lower portion of which is shaded with a soft velvety mist, and the tops covered with snow strongly reflecting the rays of the sun, form the most prominent feature in the landscape. To the eastward is Mount Baker, which, at a distance of nearly 100 miles, rears its snowy peak far away into the clouds. To the west-ward is a long wide stretch of sea, bounded on one side by the Olympian range and on the other by the rocks and mountains of Vancouver, jutting out here and there into the Strait;...
1885 - It is said that the oldest record in the consular service is that of the man who was at Victoria, B. C. - The Judge.
1888 - At Victoria, B. C., the discovery was made on the 24th of a powerful Chinese society whose object was to murder at $500 a head.
Show more local history, news & stories
1888 - AH FAT was hanged on the 30th ult. at Victoria B. C., for the murder of a Chinese woman, Chney Whey. He declared his innocence to the last.
1889 - On the 27th exploring schooners reported at Victoria, B. C., that there is a great abundance of fish on Black Coal Banks, off Queen Charlotte's Island, and that the coasts are dotted with natural harbors, in which the anchorage is excellent.
1892 - St. Andrew Cathedral established at Victoria
1895 - Victoria
Victoria, a city of the Dominion of Canada, the capital of British Columbia, is charmingly situated on Fuca Strait near the S.E. extremity of Vancouver Island, about 100 miles N.W. of Seattle, Wash., and 3000 miles nearly due W. from Montreal. Lat. 48° 25' 20" N.; lon. 1239 22' 34" W. The surroundings of Victoria are singularly beautiful. Three miles distant is the harbor of Esquimalt, one of the finest on the Pacific coast, and the fortified naval station of Great Britain for the Northern Pacific. Victoria has good streets, with fine drives, over excellent roads, in every direction, and adjoining the town, bordering on the strait, is a large extent of ground, locally known as Beacon Hill, which has been reserved for a public park. On the outskirts of the city are many attractive residences, and every cottage displays its pretty garden. There are many neat and substantial buildings, among which are the provincial offices, the churches, a synagogue, the Angela College for young ladies, ...
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Victoria has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Victoria:
Butchart Gardens: These world-renowned gardens are a must-visit. Explore the stunning floral displays, themed gardens, and tranquil paths that wind through the 55-acre site. Don't miss the evening illumination during summer.
Royal BC Museum: Dive into the rich history and culture of British Columbia through engaging exhibits, including the First Nations Gallery and Natural History Gallery.
Fisherman's Wharf: A colorful marina with floating homes, restaurants, and unique shops. Grab some fish and chips, feed the seals, or take a harbor tour from here.
Victoria's Inner Harbour: This bustling waterfront area is the heart of the city. Stroll along the causeway, enjoy street performances, and take in views of the Parliament Buildings and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Craigdarroch Castle: Explore this beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion. Learn about the Dunsmuir family history as you wander through the opulent rooms and admire the stunning architecture.
Beacon...
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Royal BC Museum: Dive into the rich history and culture of British Columbia through engaging exhibits, including the First Nations Gallery and Natural History Gallery.
Fisherman's Wharf: A colorful marina with floating homes, restaurants, and unique shops. Grab some fish and chips, feed the seals, or take a harbor tour from here.
Victoria's Inner Harbour: This bustling waterfront area is the heart of the city. Stroll along the causeway, enjoy street performances, and take in views of the Parliament Buildings and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Craigdarroch Castle: Explore this beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion. Learn about the Dunsmuir family history as you wander through the opulent rooms and admire the stunning architecture.
Beacon...
GENEALOGY IN VICTORIA
Discover YOUR Roots: Victoria Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Victoria through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
We currently have information about 16 ancestors who were born or died in Victoria.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Victoria.
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Updated: 9/17/2023 7:30:04 PM
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