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It is #AsianHeritageMonth and this is the story of Victoria's Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Canada
The story of Chinatown in Victoria, B.C. begins with the mass influx of miners from California during the Fraser Gold Rush. One third of those who arrived were Chinese
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The story of Chinatown in Victoria, B.C. begins with the mass influx of miners from California during the Fraser Gold Rush. One third of those who arrived were Chinese
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Within a year of the start of the gold rush, many Chinese started to arrive from China directly to find a better life than they had in their home country.
Initially, Chinatown was a collection of wooden huts but slowly it began to evolve.
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Initially, Chinatown was a collection of wooden huts but slowly it began to evolve.
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Before long there were schools, movie theatres, schools, churches, a hospital and many businesses.
Chinatown hit its peak in 1911 when it covered six city blocks and housed 3,158 people, more than was found in downtown Victoria.
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Chinatown hit its peak in 1911 when it covered six city blocks and housed 3,158 people, more than was found in downtown Victoria.
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A period of decline started in the 1920s, lasting to the 1970s.
A revitalization began and today it is a popular and historical place to visit, including Fan Tan Alley. In 1995, it was made a National Historic Site of Canada.
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A revitalization began and today it is a popular and historical place to visit, including Fan Tan Alley. In 1995, it was made a National Historic Site of Canada.
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