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Fort Langley, situated on the south side of the Fraser River, across from Maple Ridge, is a somewhat laid back collection of arts and crafts businesses sharing in the visitor traffic generated by the Fort Langley National Historic Site.
The Fort Langley Historical Site
THE BEGINNING
Historically the functional Fort Langley had a relatively short life. From beginning to end it lasted some 60 years. The original structure was built by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1827. Due to circumstances resulting from an agreement with the Russian American (Fur) Company more emphasis was placed on the farming operation and the Fort was rebuilt 4 kilometers upstream (east) in 1839. Shortly thereafter it burned down and was rebuilt again in 1840.
PERIOD OF GROWTH
Subsequently Fort Langley entered a period of dramatic growth in economic activity that confirmed its importance politically and geographically. The establishment of the 49th parallel as the international boundary with the US added to its official lustre.
Activity in Fort Langley reach its peak with the Gold Rush of 1858. For all intents and purposes all prospectors would depart from Fort Langley on their trek to find fortune. To deal with the potential social and political upheavals caused by this great influx of American adventurers the British Parliament decided to provide for a crown colony on the Pacific Mainland with James Douglas as the first Governor of British Columbia. Fort Langley was the location of this proclamation on November 19, 1858.
DECLINE OF THE FORT
Over the next 30 years 3 factors contributed to the decline of the community and "the Fort" itself. River traffic was extended to Fort Hope and Fort Yale. The capital of the colony was established at New Westminster (later moved to Victoria). Competition developed for goods and services provided by the Hudson's Bay Company. These factors combined to lower the Fort's stature significantly. By 1886 Fort Langley ceased operations as a company post.
REBIRTH
In 1923 Fort Langley was declared a site of national historic importance. In 1955 it was established as a National Historic Park. Restoration was begun for the celebration of the centennial of the Colony of British Columbia. The Fort Langley of today and the community around it provide a welcome respite from the strains and stresses of the "big city", for those who are so inclined.
The photo galleries below provide many reasons why Fort Langley must be considered one of the premium locations to be included in any visitors itinerary.
Sites highly recommended for detailed information
parkscan.harbour.com/fl/fl.htm
on all aspects of the Fort Langley National Historic Site
mypage.uniserve.ca/~gborden/fl-hist.htm
Fort Langley - the community
Fort Langley the community is part of the Township of Langley (within this township is an entity called the City of Langley). It is a full service community with schools, shops, and abundant recreational opportunities. Its three main functions are to provide a residential environment, to provide for the needs of visitors to the area with many diverse shops and services and to maintain an active vibrant relationship with the heritage of BC. All three purposes are being served very well. Fort Langley has a rich culturally based calendar of events that covers the whole year. It is a family friendly environment suitable to kids of all ages. Come and enjoy.
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Historic Site |
and around Fort Langley |
establishments |
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Note/Greeting Cards Postcards |
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Echinacea & Lavender Farm, Garden Excursions, Bed & Breakfast www.tuscanfarmgardens.com |
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More sites about Vancouver, its neighbours and various photo collections.
