James Douglas (governor)
Sir James Douglas, KCB (August 15, 1803 – August 2, 1877) was a Canadian fur trader and politician who became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. He is often credited as "The Father of British Columbia". He was instrumental to the resettlement of 35 African Americans fleeing a life of racial persecution in San Francisco who arrived in the province aboard the steamship Commodore in what later became known as the Pioneer Committee. In 1863, Douglas was knighted by Queen Victoria for his services to the Crown.
Sir James Douglas KCB | |
|---|---|
James Douglas, wearing the insignia of the Order of the Bath | |
| 1st Governor of British Columbia | |
| In office 1858–1864 | |
| Succeeded by | Frederick Seymour |
| 2nd Governor of Vancouver Island | |
| In office 1851–1864 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Blanshard |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Edward Kennedy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 15, 1803 Demerara, Dutch/Batavian Colony of Essequibo |
| Died | August 2, 1877 (aged 73) Victoria, British Columbia |
| Resting place | Ross Bay Cemetery |
| Political party | None |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 13 (6 lived to adulthood), including James W. Douglas |
| Parents |
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He started work at 16 for the North West Company and then the Hudson's Bay Company and became a high-ranking officer. From 1851 to 1864, he was Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island. In 1858, he became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia and asserted the authority of the British Empire during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, which had the potential to turn the Mainland into an American state. He remained governor of both colonies until his retirement in 1864.