Vancouver Island History

Stories from the Colonial decade include the building of the first sawmill, the first legislative assembly of the colony, and early Victoria theatrical performances. Post-colonial stories are also planned.

• Agnes McKenzie’s Craigflower Dream House
• Attach Frazer’s River to Vancouver’s Island
• Cole Island Naval Magazine
• Craigflower - The British Empire Connection
• Esquimalt's Historic Halfway House
• Esquimalt's St. Paul's Church
• Historic View Royal Limekiln
• Thetis Cove's Earliest Subdivision
• Vancouver Island's First Legislature
• Vancouver Island's Malahat Drive

Also see Maureen's Books OR Suggested Reading

For more information on the history of
Vancouver Island: (Links will open in a new window)

• BC Archives
• City of Victoria Municipal Archives
• District of Saanich Municipal Archives
• Township of Esquimalt Municipal Archives
• University of Victoria Archives
• Victoria Historical Society
• viHistory

In the summer of 1858, members of Vancouver Island’s House of Assembly were troubled by the goldrush disruptions caused by the influx of miners and the expanding authority of the Hudson's Bay Company. A motion was made to attach Frazer's River to Vancouver Island, this eventually led to the creation of the separate mainland colony of British Columbia 150 years ago.
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“Esquimalt Church and Royal Roads, B.C.” from
Picturesque Victoria, B.C., Vancouver Island, published
by T.N. Hibben & Co. ca. 1900. (Author collection)

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