Crowds at C.P.R. wharf viewing the arrival of the first train in Vancouver

Crowds at C.P.R. wharf viewing the arrival of the first train in Vancouver

British Columbia
Vancouver
Train
Industrialization
Transportation

The B&W glass negative photo depicts the arrival of the first train, Engine NO.374, to arrive in Vancouver in 1887. The use of dry plate gelatin matches the similar photos taken during the same period and furthermore the crease on the edge of the photo along with the glass plate being cracked place the photo at the correct historical period. This marked the beginning of the colonization of the British Columbian wilderness through the efforts of the Canadian Pacific Railway. By establishing a transport route to Vancouver, the settlement flourished and became a key component in the transport of goods, essentials and working immigrants to the far reaches of Canada. This further developed the country through the mining and transportation of the regions resources which showed the importance of our theme of transportation during this period with its enhancement being one of the key aspects which developed the British Columbia.

Matthews, James Skitt, Major, Vancouver Island

City of Vancouver Archives

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/crowds-at-c-p-r-wharf-viewing-arrival-of-first-train-in-vancouver

23 May 1887

Muhammad Ali

City of Vancouver Archives
Public domain
AM54-S4-: LGN 465

N/A

Visual - photograph

19th century British Columbia