Show british bridith columbia the events leading up to the founding of british columbia were as follows says an article in the montreal family herald in june 1858 1838 it was reported in Califor ulu that gold la in abundance had been found on the mainland of north america a little to the north and east of vancouver island and there was an immediate rush of gold seekers to the vicinity james Don douglas glas governor of vancouver island showed much ability in preserving order the territory with adjacent islands was made a british colony and called british columbia and was placed under mr douglas the colony was formally nominated and the government settled in august vancouver island was incorporated with the colony in 1808 1866 and victoria made the capital in 1808 1868 british columbia joined the dominion of canada in 1871 |