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Old Timers and Outposts of Northern British Columbia

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Outposts and Bushplanes: old timers and outposts of northern British Columbia

by Bruce Lamb

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34495 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	466 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Nestled amidst the pristine wilderness of Northern British Columbia, Canada, lie a series of remote outposts and communities that have played a pivotal role in shaping the history and culture of the region. These isolated settlements, often accessible only by air or water, offer a glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those who dared to venture into the unknown.

The history of Northern British Columbia is intertwined with the fur trade and the gold rush. In the early 19th century, the Hudson's Bay Company established trading posts along the major rivers and lakes, including Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, and Atlin. These posts served as hubs for the fur trade, and soon attracted a diverse group of trappers, traders, and adventurers.

In the late 19th century, the discovery of gold in the Cassiar Mountains sparked a massive influx of prospectors to the region. Overnight, boomtowns sprang up, and the population of Northern British Columbia soared. However, as quickly as the gold rush began, it ended, and many of the boomtowns were abandoned.

Despite the decline of the fur trade and the gold rush, many of the original outposts and communities in Northern British Columbia survived. Today, these settlements are home to a mix of old timers, descendants of the original trappers and gold seekers, and modern-day adventurers. The people of Northern British Columbia are known for their resilience, independence, and love of the land.

Dease Lake

Located on the shores of Dease Lake, Dease Lake is one of the oldest communities in Northern British Columbia. It was founded in 1838 as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, and served as a major hub for the fur trade. Today, Dease Lake is a popular destination for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

One of the most famous old timers in Dease Lake is Charlie Tagish, a Tagish First Nation elder who was born in the area in 1895. Charlie was a trapper and a guide, and he played a key role in the development of the community. He was also one of the last surviving members of the Tagish First Nation who witnessed the arrival of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897.

Telegraph Creek

Telegraph Creek is a small community located on the Stikine River. It was founded in 1867 as a telegraph station on the Overland Telegraph Line, which connected Canada to the United States. Telegraph Creek was also an important stop on the Cassiar Trail, a gold rush route that led to the Cassiar Mountains.

Today, Telegraph Creek is a popular destination for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. It is also home to the Telegraph Creek Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the community's history.

Atlin

Atlin is a small town located on the shores of Atlin Lake. It was founded in 1898 as a gold rush boomtown. At one point, Atlin was one of the largest cities in British Columbia, with a population of over 10,000 people. However, the gold rush quickly ended, and the population of Atlin declined.

Today, Atlin is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to the Atlin Historical Park, which includes a number of historic buildings and artifacts from the gold rush era.

Teslin

Teslin is a small community located on the shores of Teslin Lake. It was founded in 1898 as a gold rush boomtown. Teslin was also an important stop on the Yukon Telegraph Line, which connected Canada to Alaska. Today, Teslin is a popular destination for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

One of the most famous old timers in Teslin is Joe Boyle, a Tlingit First Nation elder who was born in the area in 1897. Joe was a trapper and a guide, and he played a key role in the development of the community. He was also one of the last surviving members of the Tlingit First Nation who witnessed the arrival of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897.

The Legacy of the Old Timers

The old timers of Northern British Columbia were a hardy and resilient group of people. They faced countless challenges, but they persevered and built communities that continue to thrive today. Their legacy is one of courage, determination, and love of the land.

The outposts and communities of Northern British Columbia offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the region. They are a reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who dared to venture into the unknown, and they continue to inspire us today.

Outposts and Bushplanes: old timers and outposts of northern British Columbia

by Bruce Lamb

4 out of 5