Columbia (barque) facts for kids
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The Columbia was a type of sailing ship known as a barque. It was built in London, England, in 1835. This ship was made for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a very important trading company. The Columbia helped the HBC in the Columbia District, an area that included parts of what is now the Pacific Northwest of North America. It sailed along the Columbia River and other places in the 1830s and 1840s.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | Columbia |
| Owner | Hudson's Bay Company |
| Launched | 8 July 1835 |
| Status | Sold in 1850 and last listed 1851 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 288 tons |
| Length | 103 ft 0 in (31.39 m) |
| Beam | 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m) |
| Depth | 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) |
| Sail plan | Barque |
| Complement | 22 to 24 people |
| Armament | 6 guns |
| Notes | Made mostly of English Oak, African Oak, and English Elm; masts of Red Pine. |
The Ship's First Years
The Columbia first appeared in an important shipping record called Lloyd's Register in 1836. This register listed its master (captain) as Darbey and its owner as the Hudson's Bay Company.
Maiden Voyage and Escort Duty
In 1835, the Columbia set sail on its very first journey. It had an important job: to escort another ship called the Beaver. The Beaver was a special ship because it was one of the first steamships in the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia helped make sure the Beaver arrived safely.
Journeys and Trading Routes
The Columbia traveled to many different places. Its voyages included sailing along the coast of California. It also visited the Sandwich Islands, which we now know as Hawaii. In total, the Columbia made six trips from London. These journeys were important for trade and connecting distant parts of the world.
Time in Fort Victoria
For part of 1846 and 1847, the Columbia spent time at Fort Victoria. This fort was an important trading post in what is now British Columbia, Canada. The ship played a role in the activities and trade happening at the fort during that period.
The Ship's Later Life
The Columbia continued its service for many years. In 1850, the Hudson's Bay Company sold the ship. It was last listed in shipping records in 1851.
Letters from the Past
Even today, we can learn more about the Columbia and the people who sailed on it. Many letters written to sailors aboard the Columbia still exist. These letters are collected in a book called Undelivered Letters to Hudson's Bay Company Men on the Northwest Coast of America, 1830-57. They offer a peek into the lives of the crew and the challenges of communication in those times.
