Douglas Obelisk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douglas Obelisk |
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| Medium | Marble sculpture |
| Dimensions | 8 m (26 ft) |
| Location | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| 48°25′14″N 123°22′12″W / 48.420508°N 123.369946°W | |
The Douglas Obelisk is a tall, impressive stone pillar located right outside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia. It stands about 8 meters (27 feet) high and is made of beautiful white marble. This special monument was put up in 1881 to honor a very important person in British Columbia's history: James Douglas. It was built by a company called Mortimer & Reid, using marble from Beaver Cove on Vancouver Island.
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What is the Douglas Obelisk?
An obelisk is a tall, four-sided stone pillar that gets narrower as it goes up, ending in a pyramid shape at its top. These types of monuments have been built for thousands of years, often to celebrate important people or events. The Douglas Obelisk is a great example of this ancient tradition.
Why Was the Obelisk Built?
The Douglas Obelisk was created to remember and honor James Douglas. He played a huge role in shaping what British Columbia is today. He was a leader during a time when the area was growing rapidly.
Who Was James Douglas?
James Douglas was born in 1803 and became a very important figure in Canadian history. He started his career working for fur trading companies. Later, he became the Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island and then the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. He helped establish laws, build towns, and manage the gold rush that brought many people to the area. His leadership was key in the early development of British Columbia.
Where is the Douglas Obelisk Located?
You can find the Douglas Obelisk in a very important spot in Victoria, British Columbia. It stands proudly outside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. This is where the provincial government makes decisions for British Columbia. Its location reminds everyone who visits of the historical foundations of the province.
How Was the Obelisk Made?
The Douglas Obelisk was built in 1881 by a company named Mortimer & Reid. They used marble that came from Beaver Cove, which is located on Vancouver Island. Using local materials for such an important monument shows the resources available in British Columbia at that time. The craftsmanship involved in creating such a large and detailed marble structure was very impressive for the 1800s.
