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History
The Langley area was the first part of the lower mainland of British Columbia, where European settlement was established. Fort Langley was built in 1827 under the direction of James McMillan, Chief Trader of the Hudson's Bay Company. It was situated about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the mouth of the Fraser River. The prime objectives of the Fort were to establish a fur trading post and to initiate some agricultural activities, which would secure a steady supply of food for the occupants of the various fur trading posts west of the Rockies.
Fort Langley achieved global attention in 1858, following the discovery of gold by James Houston along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. Fort Langley became a large supply centre, outfitting thousands of gold miners passing through the area. The gold rush also caused a significant increase in farming operations as the demand for food rose.
The gold rush and the declaration of 49th parallel as the United States border resulted in the creation of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. On November 19, 1858, the actual proclamation of Crown Colony status took place in the Big House at Fort Langley. Thus Fort Langley was proclaimed the birthplace of B.C.
The 1858 inaugural ceremony at once honoured Fort Langley and signalled its decline. That same year, paddle wheelers started to steam upriver as far as Hope and Yale, and Fort Langley's role as a mining provisioner and as a transhipment depot abruptly ended. The selection of New Westminster as the first capital of British Columbia further pushed Fort Langley "out of the way of travellers," and the fort fell slowly into disrepair. In 1864 the palisade was dismantled and by 1871 the blacksmith shop had been converted into a dwelling and the cooperage to a sales shop. A year later, the post manager had the Big House pulled down to build a new residence.
There was a small revival in the 1860s as the Hudson's Bay Company expanded the farm to support its overland transport service to the Cariboo but it was not to last. Local competition was too strong, and the land was subdivided and sold. Finally, in April 1886, the Hudson's Bay Company built a new sales shop in the nearby village and Fort Langley ceased operations as a company post.
A new chapter began in 1923 when the Canadian government recognized Fort Langley as a site of national historic importance, erecting a commemorative plaque near the storehouse. The restoration of the fort continued as the centennial celebration of the founding of British Columbia approached in 1958. Since then, Parks Canada, who administers the site, has added further elements to enhance understanding of the site's history and significance. Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada is part of the family of national parks and national historic sites operated across the country by Parks Canada.
Location
Located in the Township of Langley, Fort Langley is about a 45 min drive from Vancouver, as well as the USA border crossing. It is conveniently located near Trans-Canada Highway 1 and the Albion Ferry crossing.
Places to See
- CN Station
Built and designed by the Great Northern RR, it was bought by the CNR in l918. Today it houses the Fort Langley Artists Group, F.L.A.G. in the baggage room, and has a small museum in the ticket office and waiting room. Outside the station on a special piece of track sits a 1900's velocipede belonging to the B.C. Agricultural Museum. The site also has a l920's caboose with original furnishings and with a well equipped working model RR. To the west of the caboose is a 1947 railcar, recently bought by the Langley Heritage Society and refurnished. It is manned by summer students for July and August and by site volunteers for May, June, September, and October.
In 2001, the Langley Heritage Society received a prestigious B.C. Heritage Society Award of Honour for preservation and conservation of the CN Station site.
- BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum
Helping you discover BC's farm history. From horse-drawn implements, to powerful automated machines, a remarkable evolution has occurred. The museum's collection mirrors this fascinating era. The extensive research library offers a wealth of information: tractor and engine manuals, magazines, and textbooks are available for on-site use.
- Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
Imagine the West Coast before the cities of Vancouver and Victoria were built! In the 1830s, the Fraser River was the highway and Fort Langley, a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, was the only European settlement for miles. Today you can walk in the footsteps of British Columbia's early adventurers and explore the actual site where British Columbia became a colony. Try on period clothing, enjoy interactive exhibits, and talk with knowledgeable costumed interpreters. Allow 2-3 hours.
- Langley Centennial Museum
Discover the stories of First Nations peoples, early explorers, and pioneer families at the Langley Centennial Museum. The museum's National Exhibition Centre Gallery displays changing exhibits of art, history, and nature. Visit the gift shop, featuring unique Canadiana and Canadian-made gifts.
- Mountain View Conservation Centre
Mountain View Conservation Centre is a leading non-profit wildlife conservation facility that saves rare and endangered wildlife species from extinction by operating endangered species conservation programs here in BC, Canada, and around the world.
Situated on over 300 acres of beautiful Fraser Valley rainforest, the Centre is open for guided tours daily at 10:00am and 1:00pm (rain or shine). Learn all about the Conservation, Breeding, and Return Programs to save BC's Northern Spotted Owls, Vancouver Island Marmots, Oregon Spotted Frogs, and over 50 other rare wildlife species from around the world. Visit the Conservatory and see the herd of Masai giraffe, Grevy Zebras, and Wood Bison. Meet Ivan, the Indian Rhinoceros, and see over 15 cat carnivor species, plus antelopes, and many rare birds. Visit over 300 animals in natural habitat settings that you would likely never see anywhere else in the world. Bring your camera, wear appropriate clothing for the weather, and reserve your tour in advance.
Things to Do
- Walking Tour
The Fort Langley Heritage Walking Tour is a must on any visit to the fort, with an informative tour brochure available to guide you through the fort, and descriptions of the lovingly restored buildings and attractions.
- Horseback Riding
Known as the 'Horse Capital of BC', Langley has plenty of excellent paths for beginner and experienced riders alike.
- Biking / Skating
Paved shoulders on the Langley backroads around Aldergrove Lake Regional Park provide easy access for cycling and in-line skating. They are wide and smooth, with only a hint of traffic along most of the route. As you ride or skate along, you can relax and let your eyes drink in the views of the surrounding farm fields with Mount Baker towering over them. A network of easygoing mountain biking trails, about 12 kilometres in total length, lead through the wooded park. Mount Baker's snow cone towers above the valley and is best appreciated when seen from a viewpoint along the Rock N' Horse Trail.
Events
- May Day Parade and Festival
Come and celebrate at the Village of Fort Langley's May Day Parade and Festival. The annual event kicks off with a pancake breakfast, followed by the parade, a Strawberry Tea, the famous May Pole Dance, kiddie amusement rides and carnival games, live entertainment, vendors, and food concessions.
- Aboriginal Day
Celebrate the key role that local First Nations people played in the history of Fort Langley. Come share in the rich culture, history, and traditions that live on in BC today.
- Canada Day Celebrations
Celebrate Canada Day at the birthplace of BC! Get a slice of the action with barrel races, tug-of-war contests, and cake. Will you strike it rich? Try gold panning and see what you find. See the blacksmith bend steel, or try your hand at assembling a barrel. Watch the new live theatre presentation. It's free fun for the entire family, so come spend the day!
- BC Renaissance Festival
Come "Live the Revelry" at the annual BC Renaissance Festival! Visit the sleepy Shire of "Steller's Grove" this August at Aldor Acres in Fort Langley, and witness the laughs and thrills that this village has to offer. There will be jousting, sword fighting, storytelling, singing, dancing, a surprise visit by Royalty, games, rides, merchants selling their wares, and food!
Visitors beware, for there are rumours that the infamous Jade Dragon and her crew have been sighted in the area. What will happen? You'll have to come and find out!
- Cranberry Festival
In Langley, residents love to celebrate the cranberry. The Village of Fort Langley hosts the annual Cranberry Festival, featuring a scrumptious pancake breakfast, a large marketplace, a canoe regatta, entertainment, activities, contests with prizes, and of course, cranberry sales. Fall harvest is a great time to visit Fort Langley and the Cranberry Festival is a wonderful opportunity for families to have a fun day together here in the jewel of the Fraser Valley.
Contact Information
Fort Langley BIA
Box 198
Fort Langley, BC V1M 2R5
Telephone: 604-888-8835
Fax: 604-888-9038
E-mail: info@fortlangley.com
Website: www.fortlangley.com/index.html
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