Nanaimo: The History
Nanaimo was originally called Colevile Town until 1860 when the name was officially changed to Nanaimo which is an adaptation of Snuneymuxw (Snuh-NATY-moo). In that year the name Colevile Town was stricken from the maps and records.
It was in 1849, that in exchange for developing the territory, the Hudson Bay Company was given the rites to Vancouver Island and that included the monies earned from mining. They would have to resell the Island to the Crown in ten years and would have to use 90% of their gain to develop the colony. The remaining 10% could be kept by the Hudson Bay Company.
In the spring of 1850, the Snuneymuxw Chief, historically referred to as Coal Tyee, took a canoe laden with coal to Victoria. It was found to be of excellent quality and a company clerk was sent to Nanaimo.
In 1854 after travelling for 179 days on the Princess Royal, the first immigrants arrived in Nanaimo. It is reported that 23 men and 23 women and a quantity of children left London England on June 2 1854 sailing to Nanaimo via Honolulu. A number of deaths and births are recorded in the ships log during the long journey from England to the final destination of Nanaimo.
It was in 1849, that in exchange for developing the territory, the Hudson Bay Company was given the rites to Vancouver Island and that included the monies earned from mining. They would have to resell the Island to the Crown in ten years and would have to use 90% of their gain to develop the colony. The remaining 10% could be kept by the Hudson Bay Company.
In the spring of 1850, the Snuneymuxw Chief, historically referred to as Coal Tyee, took a canoe laden with coal to Victoria. It was found to be of excellent quality and a company clerk was sent to Nanaimo.
In 1854 after travelling for 179 days on the Princess Royal, the first immigrants arrived in Nanaimo. It is reported that 23 men and 23 women and a quantity of children left London England on June 2 1854 sailing to Nanaimo via Honolulu. A number of deaths and births are recorded in the ships log during the long journey from England to the final destination of Nanaimo.