What's Up Prince George

STATISTICS & HISTORY INFORMATION

The origins of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established in 1807 by Simon Fraser. The post was centered in the centuries-old homeland of the Leidli T'Enneh First Nation.

Agricultural settlement around Fort George began about 1906 when it was realized that the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (later CN Rail) would pass near the fur post.

The railway arrived in 1914 and construction of the railway town site commenced. In 1915, the City of Prince George was incorporated.

The City's name honours a former Duke of Kent, born in 1902 and killed in an air crash during the Second World War.

George Street - Prince George

This Day in History

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Mayors of Prince George

Prince George Population

Population Chart of Prince George

George Street - Prince George

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The Prince George area was occupied well before Prince George became the city it is today. Carrier First Nations people occupied the region for thousands of years prior to European settlement. They lived off the land by hunting, trapping, fishing, and building homes from natural resources. The Lheidli T'Enneh (People from the Confluence of Two Rivers) traditional territory presently includes four reserves in the Prince George area. Alexander Mackenzie and Simon Fraser Present-day Prince George evolved from a small trading post to the largest city in northern British Columbia. Alexander Mackenzie was the first explorer to travel through the area in 1793, but it was American explorer Simon Fraser who established the original fort in 1807, named Fort George for King George III. The Northwest Company operated Fort George and later merged with the Hudson's Bay trading company. The development of Prince George The Nechako and Fraser rivers were the main transportation routes through the early 1900s. Sternwheelers paddled the rivers, transporting people and goods from place to place. Fort George and the newly developing town of South Fort George boomed in 1909 as forestry became the main industry and sawmills were built. When the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway arrived in 1913, the Nechako and Fraser River junction became the new town center and was named Prince George. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company chose the name, though it is unclear why Prince George was selected. Three reasons have been suggested: that it was named after King George III; that it would distinguish it from other similarly named nearby towns of Fort George and South Fort George; or thirdly, it was actually named for Prince George, the youngest brother of King George VI. History Today and Attractions Today Prince George is an economic and transportation center in Northern BC. Its main industries are based around natural resources, and as a regional service center, Prince George is also a preferred place to shop and pick up supplies. Visit all of tthe local museums and attractions, and discover Prince George through the exhibits at Exploration Place, Huble Homestead, and the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum and Two Rivers ArtGallery. Through out the year Prince George holds a number of festivals and events that celebrate the culture of this interesting Northern BC city. Walking Tours You can also take a Downtown Heritage Tour, which should be arranged in advance via the Prince George Public Library, which leads the tours. The tours highlight the history of various buildings in downtown, some dating back to 1914.	There are a number of interpretive centres, museums and heritage sites to explore in Prince George. Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum The Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum (850 River Road) provides a truly authentic sense of Prince George's railway history and the importance of forestry to the community. The museum is interesting at any season, though probably best visited in the spring, summer and fall months as many of the exhibits are outside. There are authentically decorated buildings, a number of different train displays, and other machines. The most remarkable exhibit is the Nechako Coach, a fully adorned train, complete with a functioning kitchen and dining room area. It was built in 1913 and operated by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway until 1976. Huble Homestead Heritage Site Seeking a northern Canadian historic experience? The Huble Homestead Historic Site is an exciting detour, just a short drive away from Prince George. The site is located 40km/25mi north of the city on Highway 97 and Mitchell Road. Albert Huble built the first house at Huble Homestead in 1912. It is a traditional log home and the oldest building in the region on its original site. He worked with his partner at a trading post where they performed services like guiding and surveying, and upgrading the Giscome Portage Trail. Other buildings at this location include the Salmon Valley Post Office, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a restored First Nations fish camp. Today, the Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society operates the site. There are no fees, but donations are accepted to help maintain the heritage site. The Exploration Place at The Fort George Regional Museum The Exploration Place (333 Becott Place, at the end of 20th Ave, in Fort George Park) is easily the most exciting indoor attraction in Prince George, and is filled with historic displays. It is especially suited to families and children as it features exhibits, interactive demonstrations and activities. The building is two stories. The main floor has activities for younger children and the upper floor a variety of exhibits and activities for older children and adults. The main floor has a SimEx virtual ride, large replicas of dinosaur skeletons, and some neat activities including a dinosaur bone dig area and a water table with boats. The upper floor contains the original Prince George jail cell, a replica of the first city theatre, a replicated billiard hall with the original billiard table, First Nations artifacts, an interactive sports games area, an interactive area to see and touch animals like snakes, and a trading centre where kids can exchange one item for another.