Early British Columbia Maps
User Collection Public
These maps, from the National Archives of the UK, primarily span the dates 1846-1876 and show the development of the territory from the two founding colonies until after the Province joined confederation. A few earlier maps were collected by the Colonial Office in response to the San Juan dispute and these are also included.
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/667ca6ed-c872-4162-9a5f-7180ad5a1b65
Collection Details
- Items 248
- Last Updated 2025-02-21
Parent Collections (1)
Works (248)
131. Sketch map of part of British Columbia shewing trails and routes of communication
- Title:
- Sketch map of part of British Columbia shewing trails and routes of communication
- Description:
- 1 item extracted from CO 60/7 (folio 360). 'Sketch Map of Part of British Columbia shewing Trails and Routes of Communication'. Map showing trails between New Westminster, Hope, Vermilion, Lytton and Lakes Harrison, Lillooet, Anderson and Seton. Reference table to trails. Scale: 1 inch to 5 miles. Compass indicator. Prepared at the Royal Engineers Survey Office, New Westminster. Traced by J Launders, Sapper RE. Signed by R C Moody, Col RE. [British Columbia, 1860]. Shows wagon roads and mule trails.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1860
- Subject:
- Roads
- Contributor:
- Moody, Richard Clement and Launders, James Benjamin
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers. Columbia Detachment.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1860
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 390
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia and British Columbia--New Westminster
- Coordinates:
- 53.99983, -125.0032 and 49.20678, -122.91092
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1860
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:316,800
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: MPG1-657
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-22
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 30, 2010.
132. Sketch of the Country between Jervis Inlet and Port Pemberton, in British Columbia
- Title:
- Sketch of the Country between Jervis Inlet and Port Pemberton, in British Columbia
- Description:
- Sketch of the Country between Jervis Inlet and Port Pemberton, in British Columbia, by Lieut. Mayne, of H.M.S. ""Plumper,"" 1860. About 5 miles to 1 inch. Author, Publisher, &c.: War Office, London. [British Columbia, 1860]
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1860
- Creator:
- Mayne, Richard Charles
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. War Office. Topographical Depot.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1860
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 391
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- Jervis Inlet and Port Pemberton
- Geographic Coverage:
- Pacific Ocean--Jervis Inlet, British Columbia, and British Columbia--Pemberton
- Coordinates:
- 49.76524, -124.20842, 50 30'N--49 05'N / 124 50'W--122 40'W, 50.31641, -122.80273, and 53.99983, -125.0032
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1860
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:316,800
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA8 (3)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 21, 2010.
133. Stekin River (c. 1860)
- Title:
- Stekin River (c. 1860)
- Description:
- Stekin River. [Stikine, River, c. 1860]. Hand drawn and annotated miner's map. Scale 1" =10 miles.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: Stikine River, 1860
- Subject:
- Mines and mineral resources and Gold mines and mining
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1860?
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 552
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- Stikine River
- Geographic Coverage:
- North America--Stikine River and British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 56.56389, -132.40444 and 53.99983, -125.0032
- Chronological Coverage:
- 186X
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:633,600
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA8 (4)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP, April 21, 2010.
134. British Columbia, reduced copy of the map referred to in the despatch of Governor Douglas of 16 July 1861
- Title:
- British Columbia, reduced copy of the map referred to in the despatch of Governor Douglas of 16 July 1861
- Description:
- British Columbia, reduced copy of the map referred to in the despatch of Governor Douglas of 16 July 1861. Showing roads, proposed route for steam navigation and supposed Auriferous Ridge or Watershed. 24 miles to one inch. J. Arrowsmith, London. Lithographed. [British Columbia, 1861]. See Colonial Despatches for letter (Despatch to London Douglas to Newcastle 8719, CO 60/10, p. 301)
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1861
- Subject:
- Gold mines and mining and British Columbia
- Creator:
- Arrowsmith, John, 1790-1873
- Contributor:
- Douglas, James, 1803-1877
- Publisher:
- John Arrowsmith
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 398
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 54N-49N/123W-118W
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1861
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:1,520,640
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: FO925-1821
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP May 4, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
135. British Columbia, showing carriage roads completed, in progress, and proposed
- Title:
- British Columbia, showing carriage roads completed, in progress, and proposed
- Description:
- British Columbia, showing carriage roads completed, in progress, and proposed. About 37 miles to 1 inch. New Westminster. [British Columbia, c. 1861].
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1861
- Subject:
- British Columbia
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 402
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 62N-50N/140W-115W
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1861
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:2,344,320
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA11 (1)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 23, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
136. Douglas, British Columbia (1861)
- Title:
- Douglas, British Columbia (1861)
- Description:
- Plan of the Town of Douglas. Surveyed by Sergt. McColl and Sapper A. Breakenridge, R.E. About 25 inches to 1 mile. New Westminster. [British Columbia, 1861; 1862]. Lithographed under the direction of Capt. Parson R.E., drawn by James Conroy R.E., printed by William Oldham R.E. Shows numbered lots, high water mark and saw mill.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1861, 1862
- Creator:
- McColl, William
- Contributor:
- Conroy, James, Oldham, William, Breakenridge, Archibald T., and Parsons, Robert Mann
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers. Columbia Detachment.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 401
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia and British Columbia--Douglas Lake
- Coordinates:
- 50.16465, -120.19798 and 53.99983, -125.0032
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1861
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:2534.4
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA11 (7)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 26, 2010.
137. Esquimalt & Victoria Harbours
- Title:
- Esquimalt & Victoria Harbours
- Description:
- Vancouver Island (subsequently part of British Columbia, now in Canada). Chart: 'Esquimalt & Victoria Harbours Surveyed by Capt. G. H. Richards, R.N., and the Officers of H.M.S. Hecate 1861-2 ...'. Reference table to batteries, emplacements and temporary works. Scale: 1 inch to about 1,000 feet. Compass roses. Drawn for engraving by E J Powell; engraved by Davies and Powell; published at the Admiralty, 15 October 1864; corrected to 1876. Insets: views of the coast, by H Adlard. Coloured MS additions show works, and proposed batteries and gun emplacements, with their ranges and fields of fire. [Esquimalt and Victoria, 1864; 1876; 1879]
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: Esquimalt and Victoria, 1864, 1876, 1879
- Subject:
- Nautical charts and Coast defenses
- Creator:
- Richards, G. H. (George Henry)
- Contributor:
- Davies & Powell, Adlard, Henry, and Powell, E. J.
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Hydrographic Office
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861/1879
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 459
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- North America, West Coast, Vancouver Island, Esquimalt and Victoria Harbours, surveyed by Capt. G. H. Richards, R.N., and the Officers of H.M.S. Hecate 1861-2
- Geographic Coverage:
- Canada, British Columbia, British Columbia--Esquimalt, and British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 53.99983, -125.0032, 48.4359, -123.35155, 48 25'49"N / 123 26'45"W, 60.10867, -113.64258, and 48.43569, -123.41174
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1861/1862
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:12,160
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: WO78-2311 (20)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by CDW, April 28, 2010 and 600 dpi jpg
138. Fraser river is at present the only means of access to the interior of British Columbia without passing through foreign territory
- Title:
- Fraser river is at present the only means of access to the interior of British Columbia without passing through foreign territory
- Description:
- Letter by Capt. R.M. Parsons, Royal Engineers Survey Office, New Westminster, dated 24 August 1861. Title is the first line. Transcribed below. Related map - New Westminster to Lillooet, from a general Map in preparation by Royal Engineers. Notations by Parsons on the map.
- Subject:
- Navigation
- Creator:
- Parsons, Robert Mann
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 399
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Fraser River
- Coordinates:
- 49.11636, -123.18594
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA11 (2a)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Transcript:
- The Fraser river is at present the only means of access to the interior of British Columbia without passing through foreign territory. The Fraser is navigable as far as New Westminster at all times for vessels drawing 16 feet of water; and for vessels drawing 19 feet if attention be paid to the tide when passing the sand flats[?] at the mouth of the river. Vessels drawing 9 feet of water can proceed as far as the mouth of the Chilukweyuk River, and small steamers run regularly to Hope which may be considered the head of safe steam navigation on the river. There is safe anchorage at the points indicated in Burrard Inlet for vessels of the largest class. There is sand[?] from Port Moody to New Westminster 6 miles in length, and another in progress from the outer anchorage to the same place. [Side notation: the current very strong in many places above Langley].
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 23, 2010.
139. Gold Regions of the Fraser River and Cariboo Country, British Columbia, from reconnaissance by the Honourable Judge Begbie (1861)
- Title:
- Gold Regions of the Fraser River and Cariboo Country, British Columbia, from reconnaissance by the Honourable Judge Begbie (1861)
- Description:
- The Gold Regions of the Fraser River and Cariboo Country, British Columbia, from reconnaissance by the Honourable Judge Begbie, 1861. [New Westminster] 5 miles to 1 inch. [British Columbia, 1861]. [Inset: map of the Fraser River District, from Survey by Lieut. Palmer, R.E, and Lieut. Mayne, R.N., of H.M.S "Plumper."" 20 miles to 1 inch]. Descriptive text covers trails, river accessability and terrain. Camp locations (dated) also shown.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1861
- Subject:
- Gold mines and mining
- Creator:
- Begbie, Matthew Baillie, Sir, 1819-1894
- Contributor:
- Mayne, Richard Charles and Palmer, R. E.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 396
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- Fraser River District
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia, British Columbia--Cariboo Regional District, and British Columbia--Fraser River
- Coordinates:
- 53.99983, -125.0032 and 52.33313, -123.16961
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:316,800 (Inset map: 1:1,267,200)
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA8 (6)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP, April 21, 2010.
140. Hope, British Columbia
- Title:
- Hope, British Columbia
- Description:
- Plan of the Town of Hope. Surveyed by Sergeant McColl, R.E. 12 inches to 1 mile. New Westminster. [British Columbia, 1861; 1862]. Lithographed under the direction of Capt. Parsons R.E., printed by Wm. Oldham, R.E., drawn by J. Launders R.E. Shows site of HBC Fort and numbered city lots.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1861, 1862
- Subject:
- City planning
- Creator:
- McColl, William
- Contributor:
- Oldham, William, Launders, James Benjamin, and Parsons, Robert Mann
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers. Columbia Detachment.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1861
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- These images are provided under license by The National Archives of the UK and cannot be reproduced or copied without their permission. To purchase high-resolution tiff files of these maps for publication, contact: image-library@nationalarchives.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5225. A scale of reproduction fees applies for commercial publication, exhibition display or TV broadcast. Details on request. Request should cite the National Archives Number. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action. These images are provided for research only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/StillImage
- Identifier:
- Penfold Number: 401
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Hope
- Coordinates:
- 49.38299, -121.44144
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:5280
- Physical Repository:
- National Archives (Great Britain)
- Collection:
- Early BC Maps Collection
- Provenance:
- National Archives of the UK
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Sponsor:
- Funded by a Canadian Council of Archives, Archival Community Digitization Program.
- Genre:
- maps (documents) and historical maps
- Archival Item Identifier:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA11 (3)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 26, 2010.