BC Town Heritage Restored for Visitor Tours
Posted: Thursday, July 07, 2011
by Jessie Eldora
gotmydigital.com
Quesnel River meets the Cariboo River
Quesnel Forks Showcases Gold Rush Days.
Being new to the Cariboo region in British Columbia, Canada, I found that there are so many sites to see. I know it as ranching country. I didn`t realize how historic of an area it really is.
I had never heard of Quesnel Forks, just the town of Quesnel, south of Prince George, BC. We arrived at a time of historic town restorations. It was most interesting to see, and be ... in the restoration. We spent many hours there. Next time we will stay over-night, and a few days more. They have great weather in the summer. Even though there are a lot of bushes, because it is by the river I didn`t notice or feel the mosquitos.
We would have to bring our tiny pull-a-long travel trailer as that narrow road down to the town `ìs something else.` It may be improved now, though. Apparently people cannnot drive in from the mine side, as the area is blocked-off by nature, still.
As we drove into the town site, i noticed the longest white picket fence. I saw many headstones behide it. It was a picturque ruins of days gone by. It was well groomed.
The once gold mining town of Quesnel Forks is under restoration after a long decline from its former glory.
Located 13 kilometers from Likely, BC, Canada, the town site is enjoyable in the summer, and a great place to visit to learn about the Cariboo gold rush.
In 1859 prospectors reached Quesnel Forks in their search for gold at the point where the Quesnel River meets the Cariboo River.
From the late 1860s until the early 1890s about 300 Chinese merchants and miners inhabited the town. In 1893 the town opened the Bullion Mine, which produced almost 59,000 ounces of gold, which today would be valued at $52,000,000.The population dwindled when the mine was closed. Through the 1930s about 35 people continued to live in the Forks. In 1948 the bridge was washed away, marking the death of Quesnel Forks.
Then, 50 years later in 1987, buildings were put up and stabilized. Restoration started in 1995 and has been ongoing ever since, with the help of a government grant.
Today you can take a tour through Quesnel Fork's original log cabins, including the one inhabited by the notorious Calamity Jane. A map is supplied, offering historical information on this 150-year-old town.
Photo credit Interest:
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-10159741-quesnel-river.php?st=4908768
Another article on the Cariboo, in B.C. Canada: The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, Mines
If reprinting the article please give reference to my website.
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