Fort Victoria

FORT VICTORIA, built in 1843, was an HBC trading post overlooking a fine harbour at the south end of VANCOUVER ISLAND. The site was chosen by Chief Factor James DOUGLAS, who said it resembled "a perfect Eden in the midst of the dreary wilderness." The fort was meant to replace HBC headquarters at Fort Vancouver on the COLUMBIA R once the Oregon Territory was ceded to the US; this took place in 1846 (see OREGON TREATY). The site, now in downtown VICTORIA, is bounded by the modern Government, Broughton, Wharf and Bastion streets. Charles Ross was in command for the first year, followed by Roderick FINLAYSON. Fields surrounding the fort grew wheat and other produce, and the little community that sprang up soon outgrew the fort, which was overwhelmed by the arrival of a flood of prospectors heading for the goldfields in 1858 (see GOLD RUSHES). The walls and buildings were demolished between 1859 and 1864, and the land was sold for development.