BC In The 1800’s

BC Pre Gold Rush -In the early 1800’s there were approx 40-50,000 people living in BC, nearly all were aboriginal George Simpson became governor of the HBC in 1826 Biggest issue was what to do with the West Coast

Interests At This Time Russia: Had claims to the coast as far down as northern Vancouver Island

Unites States: -US and BNA had decided on the 49th parallel as the division between territories, but that ended at the eastern side of the Rockies -They claimed all of the Oregon territory for their own

BNA’s Claims BNA disagreed and thought that they had full ownership to this land as an extension of Rupert’s Land

Simpson’s Response Develops Forts in Oregon Territory to promote the fur trade and British presence Doesn’t work-fur trade dwindles and many more Americans in the area than Brit’s In response to be safe he takes the head of Fort Vancouver James Douglas and gets him create a new major Fort on Vancouver Island, Fort Victoria (1843)

View of the Songhees Reserve with the growing city of Victoria across the harbour, 1866

First Nations canoes at a wharf in Victoria, early 1880s

“54-40 Or Fight” 1844 James Polk Democratic candidate ran for President under the slogan “54-40 or fight” Meant the US wanted Oregon Territory up to that point Wins election but no action behind claims Britain stands strong and 49th parallel is decided upon, VI gets exception

Vancouver Island Created 1848 Britain decides it needs a greater presence in the area so it creates the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island James Douglas named Governor He wanted free land to encourage settlers Britain counters says 1pound per acre of land, minimum purchase of 20 acres Meant English system was being transported West

“Though British culture dominated the West  --  Victoria was almost more British than Britain itself”

Gold Rush -1858 Fraser River Gold Rush, massive influx of people -Between April and September of 1858 around 30,000 people arrive in the area -Fort Victoria pop rose from 500-5000 -Such an increase that Britain establishes the colony of BC on the mainland to maintain control 1858

Life In BC -Economy involved fishing, forestry, coal mining, and the fur trade, but was totally dependent on gold -Gold Rush ends in mid 1860’s and BC hits a massive recession

Government of the Colonies Vancouver Island was run by a governor, with the help of an appointed council and an elected assembly When BC was established it shared a governor (James Douglas until he retired in 1864) with V.I. and was ruled by decree