Beacon Hill is rich in First Nations history. For thousands of years, this area was significant for the Lekwungen people, now known as the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation. A tablet was placed on the Story Pole base in memory of the British Columbia Indigenous who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
The Story Pole was erected in Beacon Hill Park on June 30, 1956. It was carved by a team led by Mungo Martin, Kwa-kiutl tribal chief and renowned carver, along with his son, David, and Henry Hunt. The Story Pole overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca and when installed, it was the world's tallest free-standing story pole.
Ted Shaw cut down the 133 feet cedar tree in a 3,600 acre timber stand in Sooke. The tree was de-limbed, moved to Muir Creek and then towed by tug into Victoria. It was taken to Thunderbird Park's carving shed where the team worked on its creation. After six months, the Story Pole, which stood 127 feet and seven inches tall, was erected in the park.
Since its initial installation, the Story Pole was re-painted four times. In July 2000, it had deteriorated to a point where it was beyond repair. The landmark was lowered and major wood restoration including repairs, re-carving and re-painting took place over a year span. The work was completed by community volunteers, the expertise of many in wood restoration and the skills of Coast Salish artist Master Seaman Vern Point. The newly restored Story Pole was unveiled on November 3, 2001.
In 2011, the City of Victoria worked with First Nations artists Jonathan Livingston and Calvin Hunt, a descendant of Henry Hunt, to clean and re-paint the story pole. The work took place on scaffolding over 120 feet in height and was completed in early July 2011.
