Victoria history

The history of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, begins long before its official status. Initially, these lands were home to Indigenous peoples, with European influence becoming tangible with the arrival of traders and explorers. The city was officially founded in 1843, when the Hudson's Bay Company built a trading post here named Fort Victoria. The choice of location was not accidental: a protected harbour and fertile surrounding lands created ideal conditions for settlement and trade.

The key event that transformed the small fort into a thriving city was the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush in 1858. Victoria became the main gateway for tens of thousands of gold seekers heading out in search of fortune. In a short period, the city's population grew manifold, stimulating rapid development in trade, construction, and the service sector. Its strategic location on Vancouver Island and status as a major port strengthened its political and economic significance, ultimately leading to Victoria receiving city status in 1862.

From the very beginning, Victoria developed as a city with a distinctly British character. This was evident in the architecture, traditions, and lifestyle of its early inhabitants, many of whom were British colonists and officials. The economy, initially based on the fur trade, quickly diversified to serve the needs of gold prospectors, and later through government administration, shipping, and agriculture. This unique blend of British heritage and dynamic development, spurred by the gold rush, formed the unique character of the city that is still felt today.

Key Dates in Victoria's History

From a trading post to a provincial capital — here is a brief timeline of events that shaped the face of modern Victoria.

• 1843 — The Hudson's Bay Company establishes a trading post, named Fort Victoria in honour of Queen Victoria.
• 1849 — The settlement around the fort becomes the capital of the new British colony of Vancouver Island.
• 1858 — The Fraser River Gold Rush begins, and Victoria transforms into the main port and supply centre for thousands of prospectors.
• 1862 — Victoria officially receives city status.
• 1866 — The colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia unite, and New Westminster becomes the capital of the united territory.
• 1868 — Victoria regains capital status, becoming the administrative centre of the united colony of British Columbia.
• 1871 — British Columbia joins the Canadian Confederation, and Victoria becomes the capital of the new province.
• 1886 — The Royal BC Museum is founded, becoming one of Canada's most important cultural institutions.
• 1890 — Construction is completed on Craigdarroch Castle, the opulent mansion of coal baron Robert Dunsmuir.
• 1898 — The new British Columbia Parliament Buildings open, becoming the architectural symbol of the city.
• 1904 — Jennie Butchart begins work on creating the famous Butchart Gardens on the site of an exhausted limestone quarry.
• 1908 — The Empress Hotel opens, quickly becoming one of the city's most famous landmarks.
• 1981 — The Gate of Harmonious Interest is erected in Canada's oldest Chinatown.

Stages of the City's Transformation

Victoria's development is a story of how a strategically important settlement turned into a prosperous capital with a unique character. Key milestones reflect the economic, cultural, and urban planning changes that shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• The Gold Rush (1858): The influx of tens of thousands of gold seekers turned a small fort into a bustling port city. This event provided a powerful impetus for the development of trade, construction, and services, laying the economic foundation for future growth.
• Achieving Capital Status (1871): When British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation, Victoria was confirmed as its capital. This strengthened its administrative significance, ensuring a steady flow of government investment and creating jobs in the public sector.
• Creating the Architectural Look (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): The construction of iconic buildings, such as the Parliament Buildings (1898) and The Empress hotel (1908), defined Victoria's unique architectural style. These structures, built in the British spirit, became symbols of the city and its prosperity.
• Development of Tourism and the "City of Gardens" Brand: The opening of the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in the early 20th century marked a turn towards tourism as a key economic industry. The city began actively cultivating the image of a "City of Gardens," which continues to attract millions of visitors today.
• Founding of the University of Victoria (1963): Victoria College receiving university status was a major cultural and social event. The university attracted youth to the city, stimulated the development of science and technology, and diversified the local economy.
• Growth of the Technology Sector ("Tectoria"): Since the late 20th century, a high-tech sector, informally dubbed "Tectoria," has been actively developing in Victoria. This turned the city into a technology hub specializing in software development, microelectronics, and communications.
• Preservation of Heritage and Quality of Life: Victoria's modern development is closely linked to the careful preservation of historic buildings and the natural environment. This strategy helps maintain the city's unique atmosphere, supporting a high quality of life and its appeal to tourists.

The architectural appearance of Victoria is a living reflection of its history, where British colonial heritage harmoniously intertwines with modern trends. Since the city was founded in 1843 and experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century, earlier European styles such as Renaissance or Baroque are absent from its landscape. Instead, the city has become a true open-air museum, showcasing the splendour of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Victorian and Edwardian Eras (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

This period was defining for Victoria's urban development. The wealth brought by the gold rush and its status as a capital allowed for the construction of majestic buildings that emphasized British influence.

• Victorian Style: This style, dominant during the reign of Queen Victoria, is represented in the city in all its diversity. The brightest example is Craigdarroch Castle — a luxurious mansion in the Scottish Baronial style, built for coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir. Residential buildings of that time are characterized by Queen Anne style homes with their asymmetrical facades, turrets, and carved decor.
• Gothic Revival: This style, reviving the aesthetics of the Middle Ages, is reflected in church architecture and some public buildings. It is characterized by pointed arches, tall spires, and stained glass windows.
• Edwardian Architecture: The beginning of the 20th century brought a more austere and monumental Edwardian style. The main symbols of this era became two iconic buildings by architect Francis Rattenbury, which shaped the look of the Inner Harbour: the majestic British Columbia Parliament Buildings (1898) and the luxurious The Empress Hotel (1908).

Modernism and Contemporary Development (Mid-20th Century – Present)

In the mid-20th century, elements of modernism appeared in the city's architecture, particularly noticeable at the University of Victoria campus, designed by architect John Di Castri. However, unlike many other North American cities, Victoria avoided mass construction of faceless modernist buildings in the historic centre.

Modern urban planning in Victoria focuses on preserving unique historical heritage and harmoniously integrating new projects. New residential and commercial buildings often use materials and design elements that reference historic structures so as not to disrupt the integrity of the architectural ensemble. Special attention is paid to preserving Canada's oldest Chinatown and historic districts such as Bastion Square. The development of the technology sector and tourism stimulates the appearance of modern architecture, but with respect for the past, allowing Victoria to remain one of Canada's most picturesque and atmospheric cities.

Notable Figures Associated with Victoria

Throughout its history, Victoria has been a home or a point of attraction for many talented people who have left a significant mark on culture, politics, and business. Their contributions shaped not only the face of the city but also the entire province.

• Sir James Douglas (1803–1877): A statesman known as the "Father of British Columbia." In 1843, he founded the Fort Victoria trading post, from which the modern city grew. Later, he became the Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island and played a key role in the region's formation.
• Robert Dunsmuir (1825–1889): A Scottish immigrant who became a coal magnate and one of the wealthiest men of his time in Western Canada. His legacy in Victoria is the famous Craigdarroch Castle, which he built as a family residence, now one of the main tourist attractions.
• Francis Rattenbury (1867–1935): A talented architect whose works largely defined the unique look of Victoria's Inner Harbour. He designed the city's two most famous buildings: the majestic British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the luxurious The Empress Hotel.
• Emily Carr (1871–1945): One of the most significant Canadian artists and writers, born and having lived most of her life in Victoria. Her work, inspired by the nature of British Columbia and Indigenous culture, received worldwide acclaim.
• David Foster (born 1949): A Victoria native, world-renowned musician, composer, and producer. Over his career, he has won 16 Grammy Awards and worked with stars such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Michael Bublé.
• Nelly Furtado (born 1978): A popular Canadian singer, songwriter, and Grammy Award winner, born and raised in Victoria. Her albums have sold millions of copies worldwide, bringing her international fame.