Southgate River facts for kids
The Southgate River is a beautiful river located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. It flows into the top part of Bute Inlet, which is on the South Coast of the province. The river is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) long. It starts high up on the side of Mount Good Hope and flows mostly south before turning west towards Bute Inlet.
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Where the Southgate River Flows
The Southgate River begins its journey on the western side of Mount Good Hope. This area is near the Homathko Icefield, which is a large area of ice. For its first 40 kilometers (25 miles), the river flows mainly towards the southwest. Then, it turns and flows towards the northwest, heading straight for Bute Inlet.
Pigeon Valley and Other Rivers
The lower parts of the Southgate River flow through a flat area known as Pigeon Valley. Another river, the Bishop River, joins the Southgate River from the east after about 20 kilometers (12 miles) of its course. The Bishop River starts at a place called Ring Pass. This pass is located between two large ice areas: the Compton Neve to the west and the Lillooet Icecap to the east. Ring Pass also marks the beginning of the Lillooet River.
Who Was Captain Southgate?
The Southgate River is named after Captain James Johnson Southgate. He was a retired ship captain who moved to Victoria, British Columbia, in 1859. He had traveled there from San Francisco.
Captain Southgate's Business and Politics
In Victoria, Captain Southgate started a business called J.J. Southgate & Co. This company helped with buying and selling goods, especially for the Royal Navy's ships stationed at Esquimalt. He sold his business and went back to England in 1865.
During his time in Victoria, Captain Southgate was also involved in politics. From 1860 to 1863, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island. This was like being a representative in the government for the area. He represented the people from Salt Spring Island. Captain Southgate passed away in London in 1894.
Other Places Named After Him
Besides the Southgate River, other places in the area are also named after Captain James Johnson Southgate. These include the Southgate Group of islands and Southgate Island within that group. The Southgate Glacier, which is near the river's start, and Southgate Peak, a mountain above the river's mouth, were also named in connection with the river and Captain Southgate.
