Gassy Jack, whose real name was John Deighton, was a notable figure in the history of Vancouver, British Columbia. Born in Hull, England, in November 1830, he became a bar owner and steamboat captain. Deighton earned the nickname “Gassy Jack” because of his talkative nature. He is best known for founding the Gastown neighborhood in Vancouver.
In 1867, he opened a bar called the Globe Saloon on the south side of Burrard Inlet, which became a popular spot for local sawmill workers. Despite his contributions to the city’s early development, Gassy Jack’s legacy is controversial. His statue located in Maple Tree Square in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood was toppled by protesters.
Gassy Jack Statue
The controversy surrounding the Gassy Jack statue in Vancouver’s Gastown is deeply rooted in John Deighton’s personal history and the broader context of colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous communities. His marriage to a 12-year-old Squamish girl named Quahail-ya (also known as Madeline) has cast a long shadow over his legacy. This relationship is seen as a stark example of the exploitation and oppression faced by Indigenous women during that era.
On February 14, 2022, during the annual Women’s Memorial March, demonstrators toppled the statue of Gassy Jack. The statue was pulled down using ropes and then covered in red paint, symbolizing the blood and suffering of Indigenous women. This act was part of a broader movement to address historical injustices and the harmful legacies of colonial figures.
The situation today
As of now, the Gassy Jack statue in Vancouver’s Gastown remains removed. The pedestal that once held the statue was taken down in April 2022, marking the final step in addressing the controversy. The City of Vancouver is working with Indigenous communities and the Gastown Business Improvement Society to determine the future of the site and how best to acknowledge the complex history associated with John Deighton.
This ongoing dialogue with the Squamish Nation is part of broader efforts towards reconciliation and recognizing the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples. The removal of the statue and pedestal has been seen as a necessary action to bring dignity and healing to the community.
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