Accession Number

2016.003.001.002

Description

Glass plate negative of the arrival of the first train of the E&N railway at downtown Victoria. A large crowd surrounds the train, a portion of which is visible from the side. Men are standing on top of the train.

Narrative

This glass plate negative depicts the first Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway passenger train to arrive in downtown Victoria. The event took place on March 29, 1888 and was the cause of much celebration. A large crowd gathered at the terminus on near Store Street as the heavily-decorated locomotive and passenger cars made its way from Victoria West. When the train stopped, Robert Dunsmuir alighted and was escorted to a dais where he spoke to the assembled throngs. Elaborate signs proclaimed, “Victoria – New York – Welcome Dunsmuir” and “Dunsmuir and More Of ’Em”.

History of Use

unknown

Date

March 29 1888

Dimensions

0.5 cm x 20 cm x 13 cm

Material

Glass

Photograph Type

Gelatin silver process

Medium

Photographic

Support

Glass