A trip to where BC began

Liam's preschool organised their end of year trip to Fort Langley today. This is where 'British Columbia' was founded, just 150 years ago. It is very different from the historical buildings in the UK, but amazing to think how much has grown up in BC in such a short time.

Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Langley as a trading post to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The enterprise grew, evolved, and influenced history, leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia. Furs were shipped to Europe via Cape Horn, produce was traded to the Russians in Alaska, local cranberries found their way to California, and Fraser River salmon was enjoyed as far away as Hawaii. In 1858, rumours of gold on the Fraser River caused a massive influx of Americans to the area. Fearing annexation by the United States, British Columbia was proclaimed a Crown Colony on this site by James Douglas on November 19, 1858.

The kids watched the blacksmith bend Iron, and tried their hands at panning for gold, rolling barrels, carrying fur bales and building a wooden slat hut.....

and their 'best bit' was running the ramparts.