Brief History Lesson on the area
Additional Information
Langford, BC has a rich history that dates back to the early 1850s when the first European settlers arrived in the area. The city was originally home to the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The arrival of the European settlers led to the establishment of farming and logging industries, which played a significant role in shaping the city's economy and culture.
Langford is the only one of Greater Victoria's 12 surrounding towns to boast a genuine, gold rush in its colourful past. It takes its name from Captain Langford, the retired British Army officer who came to Fort Victoria as manager of the 600-acre Hudson's Bay Company farm he called Colwood. Those who remember the much-maligned Langford of the mid 20th century are surprised to learn that it was once a favourite recreation destination for thousands of Victorians: day-trippers to the elegant Goldstream House in the 1880s and 90s (thanks to excursion fares on the new Esquimalt and Nanaimo railway); hunters who built their lodges on the shores of the lake near the mountains; and the summer colony of well-to-do city folk at Langford Lake.
The first European to explore the area was likely Captain George Vancouver, who sailed along the southern coast of Vancouver Island in 1792. However, the first permanent settlers in Langford did not arrive until the late 1800s. The area was initially used for logging and farming, and a small community began to develop around the Goldstream General Store, which opened in 1861.
In the early 1900s, Langford began to grow as a result of increased transportation links to Victoria, which made it easier for people to commute between the two communities. The construction of the Island Highway in the 1950s and the Trans-Canada Highway in the 1960s further facilitated Langford's growth.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Langford experienced significant population growth as people began to move to the area from Victoria and other parts of Canada. The city was officially incorporated in 1992 and has continued to grow and develop since then.
In the early 20th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway established a station in Langford, which helped to further develop the area. During the mid-20th century, Langford saw significant growth and development, with the construction of new homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Today, Langford is a thriving community that continues to attract new residents, businesses, and visitors.
