Accession Number

989.003.001.001

Description

A sepia-toned photograph 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 photograph 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

18.2 cm x 22.5 cm

Photograph Type

Albumen process

Medium

Photographic

Support

Paper, Photographic paper

Country of Origin

Canada