History & Stories
The Story of Salmon River
For centuries, the Sto:lo people of the Fraser Valley used the Salmon River as a vital communication and trade route. The river's confluence with the Fraser became a permanent Kwantlen village and, in 1827, the site of Fort Langley.
Overview
The HBC established Fort Langley at the junction of the Salmon and Fraser rivers, and by the 1830s a thriving fish-curing industry was shipping salted salmon to Hawaii. The area south of Fort Langley, known as Milner Prairie, developed into rich farmland. Today, the Salmon River Enhancement Society works to protect the watershed, while infrastructure upgrades in 2025-2026 raise concerns about heritage landscapes.
Timeline
pre-1827
Sto:lo Trade Route
Indigenous peoples use the Salmon River as a vital trade and communication artery for centuries.
1827
Fort Langley Founded
HBC establishes Fort Langley at the confluence of the Salmon and Fraser Rivers.
1830s
Fish-Curing Industry
Salted salmon from the Salmon River is shipped to Hawaii, establishing a Pacific trade network.
1898
Matheson House
The Matheson House is built, representing early agricultural settlement on Milner Prairie.
1995
Enhancement Society Founded
The Salmon River Enhancement Society forms to protect the watershed.
Heritage Buildings Directory
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1830s
- Population
- 4,000–7,800
- Region
- Township of Langley
- Heritage Sites
- 3 listed
Local Organizations
Formed in 1995 to protect the Salmon River watershed and increase public involvement.
Advocates for heritage conservation across Langley.