Museums Details

 

In 1863, the Regiment saw its first action when a detachment, numbering 38 men under the command of Captain Chartres Brew, accompanied a punitive expedition dispatched to the Chilcoten. This action was in response to fears of a native uprising sparked by the killing of 13 white miners by members of the Chilcotin Indian Band.

In 1866 there was a perceived threats of invasion by Irish-American Fenians from the United States of America. Fenians had mounted a brief and abortive invasion of Eastern Canada and as a result The Rifles were supplemented by the formation of “The Home Guards” and The Seymour Artillery Company.

In 1874, the New Westminster Rifle Company No. 1 ceased to exist, replaced by the No. 1 Company of Rifles (New Westminster). In 1877 the No. 1 Company of Rifles (New Westminster) was reorganized as the New Westminster Rifle Company, but no increase in its almost totally non-existent funding or equipment was authorized.

In 1892, as a consequence of neglect on the part of the Canadian government the New Westminster Rifle Company was disbanded.

It is normally open on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 11am to 3pm. Tours are available but you must contact the Museum staff to arrange something.

530 Queens Ave
New Westminster, British Columbia V3L 1K3