After the dawn of a new millennium, it's interesting to peek at just a few of the events that helped shape Vancouver Island's past. Our Island has been occupied by humans for more than 12,000 years. One thousand years ago, it was home to many different groups of Native Indians. Five hundred years ago, the first Europeans arrived on the scene.
Island soldiers return from voluntary service in the South African War .
Islanders mourned those lost in mining tragedies at Cumberland and Ladysmith . Pacific Telegraph Cable link from Vancouver Island to New Zealand completed. Anti-immigration riots cause severe damage in Chinatown. Queen Victoria's death sparks public and private mourning. Empress Hotel, designed by Legislative Buildings designer Francis Rattenbury, opens for business.