Victoria, Handelsstation der Hudsonsbai-Kompagnie auf der Vancouver-Insel.

Title

Victoria, Handelsstation der Hudsonsbai-Kompagnie auf der Vancouver-Insel.

Description

View shows the present capital Victoria of the Canadian province British Columbia on Vancouver Island and has its origin in a trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company built in 1843.

ca. 1880

Artist

Anonymus

Historical Description

In 1842, future Governor James Douglas was looking for a suitable location for a major trading post, so he visited Sooke, Beecher Bay, Metchosin, Esquimalt, and what would become Victoria Harbor. European settlement began in 1843, the same year construction began on Fort Camosun, a Hudson's Bay Company trading post later known as Fort Victoria. After the establishment of the crown colony of Vancouver Island in 1849, the settlement was further expanded and elevated to the status of capital. The Hudson's Bay Company had taken over the island on the understanding that it would provide for settlement. As early as 1846, a first sawmill had been established on Mill Stream north of the town center. At the same time, the Hudson's Bay Company endeavored to add new activities to those based exclusively on trade and founded the Puget Sound Agricultural Company.