Dandrige House

Anonymous

The Dandridge House, built in 1862 and now located at 1243 Rudlin Street in Victoria’s Fernwood neighbourhood, stands as an important marker of Black history in British Columbia. It was originally constructed by John and Charlotte Dandridge, African American pioneers who arrived in 1858 as part of a migration of nearly 800 Black settlers from California.

Invited by Governor James Douglas, these settlers sought refuge from racial discrimination and hoped to build new lives in the Colony of Vancouver Island.

The Dandridge family were among the first Black residents to own property in the city, and their home reflects both their resilience and contributions. Over the years, the house was moved and restored, and in 2003 it was granted heritage designation. Today, the Dandridge House is a rare and powerful reminder of the role Black pioneers played in shaping Victoria’s early history, community, and cultural landscape.