Why was the early history of British Columbia expunged from our history books?
John McLoughlin was the first Governor of Proto British Columbia after the UK extended governmental powers to the coast. He governed through the hybrid government/business the Honorable Hudson Bay Company, the direct predecessor to the BC government. It was similar to the Hon East India Company that governed India. He established a strong, multicultural society with close relations with First Nations through intermarriage. Because of his efforts, the US and ambivalent UK politicians would have to accept the reality of a Columbia on the Pacific Coast.
John McLoughlin hired and mentored James Douglas who is now considered the most important person in the creation of British Columbia.