Barkerville National Historic Site

B.C.'s gold rush history

A search for the source of placer gold found on lower parts of the Fraser River led to discoveries of lode mines in the Cariboo, of which the richest part, Williams Creek, is said to have yielded $19,000,000. As a centre of population in the 1860's, the gold fields were the catalyst for the economic and political development of the colony of British Columbia. They attracted miners from around the world and stimulated the growth of trade and agriculture. Economic difficulties resulting from a decline in gold yield after 1865 promoted a desire for the union of the colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island.