Douglas Obelisk

The Douglas Obelisk is a marble monument standing outside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria. It has a tall, clean vertical form that creates a striking focal point within the parliamentary complex.

This memorial was built in 1881 to honor James Douglas, who was the first Governor of the British Columbia Colony. It marks a time when the young province was establishing monuments to recognize its early leaders.

The obelisk stands on the Parliament grounds and reflects how late 19th-century architects chose grand stone forms to honor government officials. Visitors can observe how such monuments shaped the visual identity of public spaces during that era.

The obelisk is located on Parliament grounds and remains accessible throughout the year. Since it sits in an outdoor setting, weather conditions and daylight hours matter when planning your visit.

The marble for this memorial came from Beaver Cove on Vancouver Island, showing how local materials were used in its construction. This choice ties the monument directly to the region's own resources and landscape.