Hudson's Bay Company founds Victoria, British Columbia

Background. Prior to 1843, the Hudson's Bay Company's Pacific Coast headquarters was Fort Vancouver. This location was difficult to defend and had poor access for ships. Additionally, it was distant from lucrative fur sources in New Caledonia. With American settlers arriving, the company sought a more secure northern location on Vancouver Island.

Construction and Naming. Construction began in 1843 on a site originally known as Camosun. The fort was initially named Fort Camosun, then briefly Fort Albert. On June 10, 1843, the HBC Council officially named it Fort Victoria in honor of Queen Victoria. This construction marked the beginning of permanent British settlement in the area.

Geopolitical Context. The move to Vancouver Island was driven by the looming Oregon Treaty negotiations. The Hudson's Bay Company built Fort Victoria at the southern end of the island to maintain a coastal presence. The 1846 treaty eventually settled border disputes, allowing the UK to keep Vancouver Island while the US gained territory south of the 49th parallel.