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)
171. Rough Sketch of Part of British Columbia traced from Lieut. Palmer's plan of Cariboo District
- Title:
- Rough Sketch of Part of British Columbia traced from Lieut. Palmer's plan of Cariboo District
- Description:
- 1 item extracted from CO 60/16 (folio 313). 'Rough Sketch of Part of British Columbia traced from Lieut. Palmer's plan of Cariboo [now Caribou] District.' The map shows the area east of the Fraser River and north of Lake Quesnel with place names, rivers, lakes, trails, mineral deposits. Reference table to quartz and gold-bearing deposits. Scale: 1 inch to 5 miles. Compass indicator. [British Columbia, c. 1863]
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1863
- Subject:
- Gold mines and mining
- Creator:
- Palmer, H. Spencer (Henry Spencer), 1838-1893
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1863?
- 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: 415
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- Cariboo District
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Quesnel, British Columbia--Fraser River, British Columbia, and British Columbia--Cariboo Regional District
- Coordinates:
- 49.11636, -123.18594, 53.99983, -125.0032, 52.33313, -123.16961, and 52.97842, -122.4931
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1863
- 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: MPG1-653
- 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.
172. Skeleton map of part of British Columbia
- Title:
- Skeleton map of part of British Columbia
- Description:
- Skeleton Map of part of British Columbia'. Scale: 1 inch to 50 miles. Drawn by J Turnbull, RE. Printed by W Oldham, RE. Prepared by the Royal Engineers at the Office of Lands & Works, New Westminster. By order of R C Moody, Col RE, February 1863. [British Columbia, 1863]. Cariboo gold area shown in yellow.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1863
- Creator:
- Turnbull, James
- Contributor:
- Columbia Detachment, Oldham, William, and Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers
- Publisher:
- British Columbia. Dept. of Lands and Works.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1863
- 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: 412
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 54N-48N/129W-119W
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1863
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:3,168,000
- 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: MPG1-652 (1)
- 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.
173. Sketch of the route from North Bentinck Arm to Fort Alexander
- Title:
- Sketch of the route from North Bentinck Arm to Fort Alexander
- Description:
- Sketch of the Route from North Bentinck Arm to Fort Alexander, by Lieut. H. S. Palmer, R.E., to accompany Report of 24th November, 1862. [New Westminster]. 10 miles to 1 inch. Drawn by Charles Sinnett R.E. Prepared by the Royal Engineers at the Office of Lands and Works, New Westminster, by order of Col. R.C. Moody ... Feb. 1863. Lith. by W. Oldham. [British Columbia, 1862; 1863][Inset: sketch of the Head of North Bentinck Arm. 1 mile to 2 inches]. Map includes a reference key and shows partial elevation of trail (vertical scale 5000 ft to 1 inch). Descriptive text.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1862, 1863
- Subject:
- Fort Alexandria National Historic Site
- Creator:
- Palmer, H. Spencer (Henry Spencer), 1838-1893
- Contributor:
- Sinnett, Charles and Oldham, William
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers. Columbia Detachment.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1863
- 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: 407
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- Route from North Bentinck Arm to Fort Alexander
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia and North Bentinck Arm--British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 53.99983, -125.0032 and 52.37361, -126.86196
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1862/1863
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:6333,600 (Inset map: 1:31,680)
- 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 (8)
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP, April 21, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
174. Town of Victoria, V.I., sub-division of section no. 1
- Title:
- Town of Victoria, V.I., sub-division of section no. 1
- Description:
- Town of Victoria, V.I. Sub-division of Section No. 1. H. O. Tiedeman, C.E., 1863. Waterlow & Sons, C.E., London. MS. 2 chains to 1 inch. [Victoria, 1863]
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: Victoria, 1863
- Subject:
- City planning
- Creator:
- Tiedeman, H. O.
- Publisher:
- Waterlow & Sons
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1863
- 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: 581
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Victoria
- Coordinates:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1863
- 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 COLUMBIA12
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-06-21
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by GF, June 21, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
175. Provinces of British Columbia and Vancouver Island; with portions of the United States and Hudson's Bay Territories
- Title:
- Provinces of British Columbia and Vancouver Island; with portions of the United States and Hudson's Bay Territories
- Description:
- The Provinces of British Columbia and Vancouver Island; with portions of the United States and Hudson's Bay Territories, compiled from original documents by John Arrowsmith, London, 1864. [Inset: Queen Charlotte Islands.] 40 miles to 1 inch. [British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, 1864]. Published by Edward Stanford. Descriptive text on map. Shows First Nations territories.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, 1864
- Subject:
- Indigenous peoples
- Creator:
- Arrowsmith, John, 1790-1873
- Publisher:
- Edward Stanford Ltd.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1864
- 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:
- National Archives Number: CO700-BRITISH COLUMBIA13 and Penfold Number: 417
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia, British Columbia--Haida Gwaii, Washington (State), and Alberta
- Coordinates:
- 52.28333, -117.469, 49.11636, -123.18594, and 47.50012, -120.50147
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1864
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:2,534,400
- 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
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 26, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
176. Sketch map of the country north and east of Bute Inlet to the Chilanko, Chezech and Chilko Rivers
- Title:
- Sketch map of the country north and east of Bute Inlet to the Chilanko, Chezech and Chilko Rivers
- Description:
- British Columbia. Sketch map of the country north and east of Bute Inlet to the Chilanko, Chezech and Chilko Rivers, showing rivers, lakes, trails, forts and camps, scene of the massacre of Mr Brewster and party and of the murderers' surrender. A note in faint pencil in the lower right corner reads, 'From a map originally drawn by Indians Alexis and [?Valos] as interpreted by Mr. Ogilvie'. (Signed) T W Cox. Benshee Lake, 22 July 1864. [British Columbia, 1864].
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1864
- Subject:
- Chilcotin Indians and Chilcotin Indians--Wars
- Creator:
- Cox, William George
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1864
- 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: 416
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Cariboo Regional District, British Columbia, and British Columbia--Chilcotin Plateau
- Coordinates:
- 52.33313, -123.16961, 53.99983, -125.0032, and 52.11667, -122.56667
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1864
- 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: MPG1-654 (1)
- 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.
177. British Columbia, showing discoveries of gold and silver, explorers' routes, etc.
- Title:
- British Columbia, showing discoveries of gold and silver, explorers' routes, etc.
- Description:
- Map of British Columbia, showing discoveries of gold and silver, explorers' routes, etc. 10 miles to 1 inch. Author, Publisher, &c.: Official [New Westminster]. [British Columbia, Alberta, c. 1865]. Includes reference key. Title supplied by cataloger.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, Alberta, 1865
- Subject:
- Silver mines and mining, Discoveries in geography, and Gold mines and mining
- Publisher:
- British Columbia. Dept. of Lands and Works.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1865?
- 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: 419
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia
- Coordinates:
- 52N-49N/125W-114W
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1865~
- 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 COLUMBIA14
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 26, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
178. Bute Inlet and Fraser River routes from the mouth of the Quesnel River to Victoria on Vancouver Island
- Title:
- Bute Inlet and Fraser River routes from the mouth of the Quesnel River to Victoria on Vancouver Island
- Description:
- 1 item extracted from CO 60/23 (folio 278). Map of part of British Columbia, showing the Bute Inlet and Fraser River routes from the mouth of the Quesnel River to Victoria on Vancouver Island, showing place names, rivers, and notes on navigation. Signed by James D Churchill, 11 George Yard, Lombard St, EC, 14 December 1865. [British Columbia, 1865]. Relating to Alfred Waddington's request for a charter to construct a road to the Cariboo gold fields.
- Keyword:
- Penfold Category: British Columbia, 1865
- Subject:
- Roads
- Creator:
- Churchill, James D.
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1865
- 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: 418
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Alternative Title:
- British Columbia showing the Bute Inlet and Fraser River routes
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Fraser River, British Columbia, and British Columbia--Bute Inlet
- Coordinates:
- 50.42208, -125.08553, 49.11636, -123.18594, and 53.99983, -125.0032
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1865
- 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: MPG1-649
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-22
- Technical Note:
- Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 30, 2010. and 600 dpi jpg
179. Sketch showing the position of a rock at Port Simpson, British Columbia on which HMS Sparrowhawk struck on May 16 1866
- Title:
- Sketch showing the position of a rock at Port Simpson, British Columbia on which HMS Sparrowhawk struck on May 16 1866
- Description:
- Sketch showing the position of a rock at Port Simpson British Columbia on which HMS Sparrowhawk struck on May 16 1866, with Fort Simpson, Finlayson Island and the track of the ship. Scale: 1 inch to 1 mile. Soundings in fathoms. Signed by George Christie, Master, HMS Sparrowhawk. Originally enclosed with letter no 6 dated 12 June 1866 from Edwin A Parker, Commander, HMS Sparrowhawk and subsequently enclosure no 3 to Pacific Station letter no 66 dated 25 June 1866 from the Honourable Joseph Denman, Rear Admiral.
- Subject:
- Sparrowhawk (Ship)
- Creator:
- Christie, George
- Contributor:
- Parker, Edwin A. and Denman, Joseph, 1810-1874
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1866
- 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
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Lax Kw'alaams
- Coordinates:
- 54.5744, -130.41862
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1866
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- 1:63,360
- 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
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 29, 2010.
180. Vancouver Island : track chart of HMS Scout 9-12 August 1866 showing her grounding off Nootka Island
- Title:
- Vancouver Island : track chart of HMS Scout 9-12 August 1866 showing her grounding off Nootka Island
- Description:
- Vancouver Island (now in British Columbia, Canada): 2 copies of a track chart of HMS Scout 9-12 August 1866 showing her grounding off Nootka Island while 'conveying H.E. the Governor round the Id. to visit the Indian & other settlements'. The coast and inlets are also shown in outline. Scale: 1 inch to 10 miles (calculated). Originally sent with duplicate and original, respectively, of report number 46 dated 23 August 1866 from John A P Price, Captain, and F Townsend, Master, of HMS Scout; subsequently enclosed with letter no 1 dated 5 September 1866 from the Honourable Joseph Denman, Rear Admiral, Pacific Squadron, accompanying papers concerning the grounding of HMS Scout.
- Subject:
- Scout (Ship)
- Creator:
- Price, John A. P.
- Contributor:
- Townsend, F. and Denman, Joseph, 1810-1874
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1866
- 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
- Extent:
- 1 sheet
- Geographic Coverage:
- British Columbia--Vancouver Island
- Coordinates:
- 49.65064, -125.44939
- Chronological Coverage:
- 1866
- 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
- Date Digitized:
- 2010-04-12
- Technical Note:
- 600 dpi jpg and Watermarks added to images by KM, JF, and CDW. Metadata by JTP April 29, 2010.