1835-1837 — Smallpox on the Plains: an estimated three-quarters of Plains Indians die by 1837.

1838 — British government extends the Hudson's Bay Company monopoly for another 21 years.

1841-1842 — James Douglas establishes Fort Victoria at Vancouver Island's southern tip.

1858 —- Colony of British Columbia created. Gold discovered on the Fraser River.

1859 — The HBC retains territorial rights but loses license to exclusive trade.

1862 —- British Crown takes back from the HBC all rights to Vancouver Island.

1867 — British North America Act passed. Prince Rupert's Land, until now governed by the HBC, and the Northwest Territories admitted into new confederation.