April 9, 1865: The End of the American Civil War

According to the U.S. National Archives on Black Soldiers in the U.S. Military, roughly 179,000 Black men (10% of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Army and another 19,000 served in the Navy. Nearly 40,000 Black soldiers died over the course of the...
August 1864: Gold is discovered at Leech River on Vancouver Island

August 1864: Gold is discovered at Leech River on Vancouver Island

In the summer of 1864, four Black men, Samuel Booth, George Munro, John Tyril and William Dyer discovered gold on the Leech River in Sooke, about 40 miles west of Victoria. On August 4, 1864 the local newspaper reported on the high purity of the specimen found. It was...

1864: Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps disbands

On May 30, 1864 the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps paraded in full strength to pay respects to Governor Kennedy. The governor reviewed the company and stated in his address that he regretted that he was compelled to refuse to give them official recognition, as there was...

March 11, 1850: Vancouver Island becomes a Colony

The Imperial Government of the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island was created on March 11, 1850. Richard Blanshard, a 32 year-old barrister from a wealthy British family, formally assumed office as Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island.
July 1, 1863: Business tax assessment for 22 Black businesses

July 1, 1863: Business tax assessment for 22 Black businesses

The Government Gazette lists “Persons liable to pay taxes under the provision of the ‘Trade Licenses Amendment Act, 1862’ for the half-year commencing July 1, 1863.” 22 Black businesses have been recognized as included in the listing. Thomas Whiting...