Helmcken House, Victoria
Helmcken House was built in 1852 for Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a prominent physician, and politician who played a crucial role in the early history of British Columbia. Considered one of the oldest remaining houses in British Columbia, it is now a popular tourist attraction.
The building's architecture reflects the colonial style of the mid-19th century. It is a simple, rectangular wooden structure, with a steep gabled roof and a central chimney. The walls are made of hand-hewn, square-cut timbers that were covered with split cedar shakes. Inside, the house is divided into several rooms, with a central hallway and a staircase leading to the upper level. Interior furnishings are mainly original or replicas from the mid-19th century.
The history of Helmcken House is closely linked to the history of British Columbia. Dr. Helmcken played a significant role in the establishment of the colony and the creation of the province. He was also one of the signatories of the BC Terms of Union, which united British Columbia with the rest of Canada in 1871.
Helmcken House remained in the Helmcken family until 1930, when it was purchased by the Province. The house was restored to its original condition in the 1940s and became a historic site open to the public in 1955.
Why You Should Visit:
Quick glimpse into the past that provides some additional insight and history in a different context than that of the Royal Museum.
The building's architecture reflects the colonial style of the mid-19th century. It is a simple, rectangular wooden structure, with a steep gabled roof and a central chimney. The walls are made of hand-hewn, square-cut timbers that were covered with split cedar shakes. Inside, the house is divided into several rooms, with a central hallway and a staircase leading to the upper level. Interior furnishings are mainly original or replicas from the mid-19th century.
The history of Helmcken House is closely linked to the history of British Columbia. Dr. Helmcken played a significant role in the establishment of the colony and the creation of the province. He was also one of the signatories of the BC Terms of Union, which united British Columbia with the rest of Canada in 1871.
Helmcken House remained in the Helmcken family until 1930, when it was purchased by the Province. The house was restored to its original condition in the 1940s and became a historic site open to the public in 1955.
Why You Should Visit:
Quick glimpse into the past that provides some additional insight and history in a different context than that of the Royal Museum.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Victoria. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Helmcken House on Map
Sight Name: Helmcken House
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Victoria, British Columbia
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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