Richmond Yesterday

First settled by Europeans in 1860s, Richmond was incorporated in 1879 as a municipality and later as a city in 1990. The First Nations were early users of the island, to fish and gather roots and berries from their summer camps. Permanent settlements may have existed near Steveston. The flat land and fertile soil of Lulu and Sea island made them ideal for farming. But dyking and drainage ditches were needed to made the land suitable for the early crops of berries, grain and vegetables. Dairy farming was also common.

Local fishing fleets plied the waters in the early 1880s and brought their catches to be processed in the canneries. The Sea Island Airport was established in 1931.

This community takes its name from Hugh McRoberts, who in 1861, established Richmond Farm. (Akrigg). Sources: City of Richmond's History Page.