Active Pass

As mentioned all along the British were concerned about the Americans taking over our water. So, most of the names were of British (and Spanish) explorers and ships. But, a few prominent ones were charted by Americans. Active Pass is one of them, charted by Captain Alden on the US Survey Ship Active. In 1855 she was the first naval steamer through. Because of tides and currents it has been the place of many marine accidents (including BC Ferries). Nearly all attibuted to its currents, narrow passage and a dog leg that makes it very difficult to see who is in the pass.

tw

Who got here first, Spain or Britian (hint, neither one)

In fact, one of the earliest ships to visit Vancouver Island was the Imperial Eagle, captained by Charles Barkley. An American fur trading ship. His wife became the first European to set foot in the area. He visited what is now Barkley sound in 1787. In fact this visit actually prompted Britian to send ships into the area. If they did not we could very well be Americans (or Spaniards for that fact). The British and Spaniards got into quite a hassle over rights, and eventually settled. The Spaniards agreed to leave, but all the while American (and Russian) ships were exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island. If it had been a more hospitable area I am sure the Americans would have established settlements.

tw

First racially motivated incident, and others since

Great Britian sent a lot of her fleet to our area to stem the slave trade. As ships of the day used sail power we were right on the path they took. The British had steam powered ships, so a lot of slaver ships were overtaken. A group of freed slaves had taken up residence on the top of Saltspring Island. The native indians of the day did not trust anyone coloured (even the Chinese), so they had them rounded up one day and kicked them off the island. Over a hundred years later the loggers (or so it is rumoured) also kicked a bunch of Hippies off that very same island. Wonder who will be next? Well, we just had a "" clean air" concert sponsored by a very well known musical figure, and if the pulp mill in Crofton was on the island I am sure it would be next on the list.
tw,

Cowichan Bay

It all started here with the Hudson's Bay Company. They started a small trading post on the banks of the Cowichan River. The factor travelled from the mainland. At that time we were the only settlement north of Victoria. The book on the area is located at http://cowichanbayhistory.org but my ongoing research and answers to questions will be here. As well, I intend to include some of my findings of the islands and areas nearby. I look forward to comments and information from others