The Bastion Cannons
Bastion Square
You are standing at the entrance to Bastion Square
Bastion Square is a legacy of Fort Victoria whose two log towers or “Bastions” were located near here.
The Hudson’s Bay Company, which remains as a store across the street, built the fort in 1843 including a surrounding log wall or “palisade”. The two bastions on opposite corners of the fort, held cannons at the top for defence [sic] and one also housed the fort’s jail. Looking closely at the sidewalk, you can see the bricks that outlined the log towers and wall which were demolished after The Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858’
Bastion Square has evolved as a public square since the Victorian era. Earlier in this century, it was not a popular place for people to gather, but it was revitalized in the 1960s. Near the harbour, at the far side of Bastion Square, you can see three plaques with the names of people who were proudly involved in revitalizing the area. In 1971, the historic conservation and renewal of Bastion Square was nationally recognized as the recipient of a Massey Award for excellence in urban design. Today, it is the heart of Victoria’s Old Town National Historic Site.
photo courtesy BC Archives
Marker is at the intersection of Government Street and View Street on Government Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
