Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
who already live in the city's Eastside will be one of Vancouver's biggest challenges
over the coming years.
TIMELINE
8000 BC
Evidence of the region's first inhabitants date from this time; whether they ar-
rived from Asia across the Bering Strait or were here already is contentious
among historians.
1774
The Spanish arrive in the area in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. They
don't venture any further than Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound.
1791
A little more adventurous than his colleagues, Spanish explorer José María Nar-
váez edges into the Strait of Georgia.
1792
The Brits join the party when Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver sails into
Burrard Inlet. He stays just 24 hours before setting sail again.
1827
The Hudson's Bay Company builds Fort Langley, the first European settlement to
grace the region.
1858
Gold is discovered on the banks of the Fraser River, prompting more than 25,000
prospectors to arrive with picks and pans. Most leave empty-handed.
1867
'Gassy' Jack Deighton rows in with a barrel of whiskey and some big ideas. He
opens a saloon, and a small, thirsty settlement, called Gastown, springs up near
the entrance.
1871
