H.B.C. Pioneer Steamer Ruled West Coast Trade 20 Years
The “Beaver,” of 109 Tons Burthen, Took Prominent
Part in History of British Columbia–Cared
for Wants of 40,000 Natives.
By C. H. FRENCH
THERE was not a single phase of British Columbia history from 1835 to 1874 in which H.B.S.S. “Beaver” did not play a large part. She was admired by all those old pioneers associated with the history of the West Coast.
The foundation of Victoria City was laid by the “Beaver.” Fort Rupert and Nanaimo were built under her protection, and though Fort Simpson was founded prior to her arrival on the coast, she was the main protection of that establishment for many years afterwards.
Ship Used to Keep Law and Order
Operations of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Russian America were entirely under her control and many minor difficulties in that region were effectively settled promptly on her arrival at the seat of trouble. When, too, the reign of law and order was threatened closer home, in every case the arrival of the “Beaver” was awaited before effective steps could be taken to bring affairs back to a normal state.
On one occasion, two murderers escaped to Cowichan and the warship “Thetis” sent a hundred and fifty of her men on the “Beaver” and proceeded to Cowichan under command of James Douglas to administer the law.
There were many other cases of this nature that demonstrated the “Beaver’s” usefulness in developing and colonizing British Columbia, particularly the north coast.
The “Beaver” Steamed Round the Horn
It was, to many, a marvel that a small boat of this kind could steam round Cape Horn and weather any storm that she encountered. These men forget that, though small, she was built of stoutest oak and was considered a more able and seaworthy craft than many of much larger size operating today.