Canadian History Time Line, 1812 to 1910

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The History Ring

1812

Beginning of the War of 1812 (also here) between CA (Britain) & the US. Brock is killed in the battle at Queenston Heights. The Treaty of Ghent ends the war in 1814 (Treaty text here). The Red River settlers establish themselves in CA’s northwest

1816

Robert Semple, the governor of territories for HBC, is killed by Métis allies of the North West Co., along with other Red River colonists in the Battle of Seven Oaks marking the birth of the Métis Nation

1818

The 49th parallel becomes accepted as the border between the U.S. & CA from Lake of the Woods to the Rockies

1829

The Lachine & Welland Canals are built

1836

CA’s first rail line opens, serving from St. Johns to La Prairie. A horse tramway or light rail line had been operating in Nova Scotia (1829). For dates in rail history see here. For all encompassing rail information see this excellent resource

1837

Rebellions in Upper & Lower CA led by Mackenzie & Papineau are unsuccessful (Try here for a discussion of flags used in this era)

1841

Upper & Lower CA are united through the Act of Union

1843

Fort Victoria built by Britain to establish claim to Vancouver Island

1846

Britain begins limited free trade with the US ending preferential trade with its own colonies (here for an interesting discussion of economic factors, but see also the Irish Famine and the beginning of an end to slavery as Connecticut outlaws slavery in 1848)

1849

Official CDN policy of bilingualism begins. US-CDN border at the 49th parallel is extended to the Pacific.

1851

Underground railroad network in place for enslaved and even freed African-Americans in southwestern Ontario. CA gains control of its postal system from Britain

1854

The Reciprocity Treaty is signed by CA & the US (in effect until 1866)

1857

Ottawa becomes the capital of CA

1860

Cornerstone is laid of the Parliament buildings

1861

The Grand Trunk Railway (and here) is completed

1864

The Charlottetown & Quebec conferences establish the groundwork for Confederation

1866

Resolutions are passed at the London Conference which become the basis of the British North America (BNA) Act. The first Fenian raid takes place.

1867

Confederation, whereby the colonies become the Dominion of Canada with Sir John A. Macdonald as first prime minister. The original provinces are: Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, & Nova Scotia For a discussion of symbols that represent Canada, such as the motto, flag, etc., try the CBC discussion here or here for a picture of the Canadian crest

1868

Rupert’s Land is purchased by CA from the HBC

1870

The Métis, led by Louis Riel, resist the imposition of CDN authority in the northwest. Manitoba joins CA (see entry for 1885, below)

1871

British Columbia joins Confederation

1873

Prince Edward Island joins CA. The North West Mounted Police (NWMP) is formed and begin to go west. Samuel Benfield Steele (use next link if this one malfunctions) was one of its most colourful and legendary figures (also visit Fort Steele from this site; see also the entry for1885, below)

1875

The Supreme Court of Canada is established

1876

The Indian Act defines the special status & land regulations of aboriginal people who live on reservations; they have no vote in CDN elections & are exempt from taxes

1880

Emily Stowe becomes the first woman doctor to receive a licence to practice medicine. Note: She was turned down by the University of Toronto and studied in the U.S.

1881

The Canadian Pacific Railway is incorporated. The last spike is set in 1885. William Van Horne is then General Manager of Canadian Pacific; he is later knighted. His summer home in New Brunswick is now a protected historic site

1885

Louis Riel & the Métis clash with the NWMP at Duck Lake & are defeated at Batoche. Riel is executed in Regina.(Note: this site gives a remarkable account of all the events before and after 1885 describing the players, such as Sam Steele, Sir John A. MacDonald and many others—all as part of the Métis History alongside the "True Canadian History". A careful reading of the site will create a strong and detailed impression of the times. Perhaps Dick Garneau's site will not be considered impartial—Lawrence Garneau, the writer's ancestor, nearly hanged with Riel, and there are no kind words about the Scots, of which, ironically, I am one by birth)

1887

The first provincial premier’s conference is held in Quebec City

1889

Women begin to campaign for the right to vote

1892

The Canadian Criminal Code is established by Sir John Thompson, prime minister

1893

Algonquin Park is established as a wildlife sanctuary in Ontario.

1896

Laurier is voted PM on the Manitoba Schools Question.(detailed chronology of events and the aftermath from 1869 to 1916) (Try h ere for a text by Laurier on Canadian identity.) An immigration policy is developed to help bring farmers from Europe to settle on the Prairies.

1897

The Klondike Gold Rush begins (here for some biographies of historical figures). The first woman is admitted to the bar in Ontario: Clara Brett Martin

1898

Yukon becomes a distinct territory from NWT

1899

CA sends its first troops to an overseas war (the Boer War)

1901

Marconi receives a transatlantic radio message at St. John’s, Newfoundland

1905

Alberta & Saskatchewan become part of CA

1907

“Equal pay for equal work” is demanded for women by the National Council for Women

1910

Laurier establishes the Canadian Navy

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Maps:
For visual representations of the territories that were known in Canada during this time period, see Canadian Geographic's Mapping Canada site.