Prince George history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Prince George is located today began long before the arrival of Europeans: for thousands of years, these lands were home to the Lheidli T'enneh people, which translates as "people of the confluence of two rivers." The European milestone in the city's chronicles was set in 1807, when explorer Simon Fraser founded the trading post of Fort George here, named in honour of King George III.

The official birth of the modern city took place in 1915, when the settlement was incorporated. To distinguish the growing new centre from the old fort and neighbouring villages, the name Prince George was chosen—in honour of Prince George, Duke of Kent.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small trading post into the "Northern Capital" of British Columbia was driven by a number of strategic advantages:

• Geography: Its location at the confluence of the powerful Fraser and Nechako rivers made this place a natural transport hub, controlling the region's waterways.
• Fur Trade: Initially, it was the richness of the local fauna and the high demand for furs that attracted traders from the North West Company, who laid the economic foundation of the settlement.
• Railway: The decisive impulse for development was the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The laying of tracks through this region definitively secured the city's status as a logistics centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early years of its existence, the economy of Prince George transformed rapidly. The dominance of the fur trade was replaced by the timber industry. Huge tracts of forest around the city became the basis for the construction of sawmills, which attracted many workers and entrepreneurs wishing to start a new life in the north.

The cultural appearance of the early city was formed in frontier conditions: it was a community where the traditions of Indigenous peoples were closely intertwined with the lifestyle of pioneers, loggers, and railway workers. The harsh climate and distance from major metropolises fostered a spirit of mutual assistance and resilience among the local residents.

Key Historical Milestones

The chronology of Prince George's development reflects its journey from a remote trading post to a modern university and industrial centre.

From Foundation to City Status

• 1807: Explorer Simon Fraser establishes the Fort George trading post for the North West Company.
• 1914: The first train arrives in the settlement via the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, opening the way for mass migration.
• 1915: The city is officially incorporated under the name Prince George, and the first mayoral elections are held.
• 1920: The first municipal airport opens, laying the foundation for the region's future aviation accessibility.

Era of Industrial Growth

• 1952: Construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (later BC Rail) is completed, directly linking the city with Vancouver.
• 1964: The first pulp and paper mill begins operations, marking the start of an industrial boom in the forestry sector.
• 1975: Prince George becomes the administrative centre of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
• 1980s: The city strengthens its status as the "Northern Capital" of British Columbia thanks to the expansion of the service and trade sectors.

Modern Stage and Education

• 1990: The provincial legislature passes the act creating the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).
• 1994: Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the new university campus, changing the cultural landscape of the city.
• 2003: A new modern terminal opens at the Prince George Airport, expanding international connections.
• 2015: The city hosts the Canada Winter Games, becoming the smallest settlement to ever organise this large-scale event.
• 2015: The main city park is officially renamed Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park in recognition of the heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Stages of Development and Their Impact on the City

The history of Prince George is a sequence of transformations from a transport hub to an educational and industrial centre. Below are the key events that had a decisive influence on the appearance and economy of the city:

• Construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (1914):

  The arrival of trains became a city-forming factor. This event not only ensured an influx of population but also defined the layout of the central streets, turning the settlement into the main logistics hub of central British Columbia.

• Connection to Vancouver via Pacific Great Eastern Railway (1952):

  The completion of the line (later known as BC Rail) opened direct access to the markets of the province's south and ports. This strengthened the city's status as the "Gateway to the North" and stimulated the development of warehousing and transport infrastructure.

• Launch of Pulp and Paper Mills (1960s):

  The opening of large processing enterprises (Prince George Pulp and Paper, etc.) shifted the economy from simple logging to deep raw material processing. This led to growth in household incomes and active residential construction for workers.

• Opening of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC, 1994):

  The appearance of its own university became a crucial cultural and urban planning milestone. This event changed the city's demographics, attracting youth and scholars, and also contributed to the diversification of the economy towards knowledge-intensive industries and the service sector.

• Expansion of the Airport to International Status (2000s):

  Modernisation of the runway and terminal allowed for the reception of wide-body aircraft. This opened opportunities for direct cargo shipments to Asia and strengthened the city's position in international trade.

• Hosting the Canada Winter Games (2015):

  Preparation for the games led to a large-scale renewal of urban infrastructure. Sports facilities were built and reconstructed, and public spaces were improved, which increased tourist appeal and the quality of life for citizens.

Architecture and Urban Landscape

Since Prince George is a relatively young city, founded in the early 20th century, historical styles such as Gothic or Renaissance are absent here. The architectural appearance of the city is a chronicle of the development of a North American settlement: from wooden frontier structures to modern "Northern Modernism," utilising local natural materials.

1. The Railway Era and Formation (1910–1940s)

The first decades of the city's existence were defined by its function as a transport hub and centre for logging. Urban planning was conducted on a strict rectangular grid, characteristic of cities that grew along railways.

• Style: Vernacular style and simplified commercial style of the early 20th century.
• Characteristic features: Low-rise buildings (1–3 floors), use of brick for public buildings and wood for residential houses. Simple facades with minimal decor.
• Location: The historic city centre (Downtown), where the street layout from the time of foundation has been preserved.

2. Post-War Boom and Modernism (1950–1980s)

The period of rapid industrial growth led to the expansion of the city beyond the central lowlands. During this time, the area known as "The Bowl" was actively built up, and the modern administrative centre was formed.

• Style: Mid-century modern and elements of Brutalism.
• Characteristic features: Functional buildings made of concrete and glass, wide avenues, the appearance of the first large shopping centres and standard residential developments (bungalows).
• Landmark objects: The City Hall building and the early buildings of the College of New Caledonia.

3. Modern Stage: Eco-Style and Identity (since the 1990s)

A turning point in architecture was the creation of the university. Modern city projects strive to harmonise with the harsh northern nature, using the concept of "West Coast architecture" in a northern interpretation.

• Style: Postmodernism, "Green Architecture," and West Coast Modern style.
• Characteristic features: Abundant use of glued laminated timber (glulam), local stone, and glass. High ceilings and atriums to maximise the use of natural light during the winter period.
• Landmark buildings:
  • University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC): The campus on Cranbrook Hill, designed with extensive use of wood and stone, is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of modern Canada.
  • Two Rivers Gallery: A building in the city centre combining architectural concrete with expressive wooden elements, symbolising the forest wealth of the region.

Notable People of Prince George

The history and modern appearance of the "Northern Capital" of British Columbia are inextricably linked with the names of explorers, world-class athletes, and cultural figures. Below are key figures whose lives and careers are closely intertwined with Prince George.

• Simon Fraser (1776–1862)
  Role: Explorer and pioneer

  A legendary traveller and fur trader, after whom the region's main river is named. It was he who founded the Fort George trading post in 1807, which subsequently grew into the modern city. His legacy is the foundation of the region's historical identity.

• Grace Dove (born 1991)
  Role: Actress and director

  A talented Indigenous actress who grew up in Prince George. She gained wide fame thanks to her role as the wife of Hugh Glass in the Oscar-winning film "The Revenant" with Leonardo DiCaprio. Grace often emphasises her background and uses the platform of cinema to tell Indigenous stories.

• Dan Hamhuis (born 1982)
  Role: Professional ice hockey player, Olympic champion

  A significant figure for the city's sports community. Dan began his career with the local junior team, the Prince George Cougars, where he became a true star, and later joined the club's ownership group. The defenceman played over 1,000 games in the NHL and won a gold medal at the 2014 Olympics with Team Canada.

• Bridget Moran (1923–1999)
  Role: Social worker, writer, and activist

  An outstanding personality in the public life of the city. She dedicated herself to protecting the rights of children and Indigenous peoples. Her book "Stoney Creek Woman" became an important literary work, revealing the history and culture of the region through the prism of the life of the Saik'uz people.

• Jon Cooper (born 1967)
  Role: Hockey coach

  A native of Prince George who achieved the heights of professional sport. He is the head coach of the NHL team Tampa Bay Lightning, with whom he has twice won the Stanley Cup. His success highlights the city's status as an important centre of Canadian hockey culture.

• Mary Gouchie
  Role: Elder of the Lheidli T'enneh Nation, language keeper

  A respected Elder who played an invaluable role in preserving the Lheidli dialect (part of the Athabaskan language family). Her work in documenting the language and culture of Indigenous peoples helps to preserve the historical heritage of the land on which the city stands.