Johnston’s Pier was erected in 1855 opposite what is now One Fullerton. It was named after Alexander Laurie Johnston, who arrived in Singapore around 1819 and established the first European firm, A.L. Johnston & Co. The pier, seen in this postcard, became the main point for people arriving in and departing from Singapore. From the 1870s onwards, the Hokkiens referred as ang theng lor (red lamp road) because of the red beacon that shone over the pier at night.
