We're back in British Columbia this week for another destination - Quesnel (pronounced kweh-NEL). It's a very historic town in that it is named for Jules Maurice Quesnel who accompanied Simon Fraser on his journey to the Pacific Ocean. Quesnel is located along the Cariboo Wagon Road and was the commercial center for the Cariboo Gold Rush, which began in 1859. Also, because of its location on the Fraser River, it was an important landing for sternwheelers between 1862 and 1886 and again from 1909 to 1921. The town is pretty much in the middle of our ranch and cowboy country.Currently, one of its most important festivals is during the third week of July when the town celebrates its heritage and the first gold miner, William Barker who struck it rich just east of Quesnel where we now have the historical town of Barkerville. Billy Barker hailed from Cambridgeshire, England, and struck gold in 1861 sparking rapid growth in the area because of so many men arriving to find their own fortune.
My one and only visit to Quesnel and Barkerville was when I was about 19 years old, home from my second year of university (my parents had moved 500 miles north of Vancouver to reside in Prince George, a few miles north of Quesnel). It was lots of fun exploring the old town with its saloon, schoolhouse, church, "Wake-up Jake's Restaurant," the theater, and the general store that was run by the Chinese, a very important part of the building of the town. I also panned for gold, but was unsuccessful. Below are a couple of old photos of me (in the pink top) and my sister and mother back in 1968 and below them are old file photos of Barkerville in 1865 and in 2004.
One more thing - all students in British Columbia learn the history of the Gold Rush and all about Billy Barker and his henchmen. Quesnel and its environs (i.e. Barkerville) are a major tourist attraction not only for BCers, but also for all Canadians and Americans alike.
ABC Wednesday is the brainchild of Mrs. Nesbitt and because it has become so popular around the world, she now has a group of quintessential aides! Check us out here!
21 comments:
It's a long time since I've been to Quesnel, and an even longer time since I visited Barkerville.
I enjoyed your photos, Leslie.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
It looks charming and fascinating; not familiar w it.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
That's a great name for a town. Don't you just love the old historic buildings and history.
I don't think I would have liked living in the town shown in the archieve picture. Guess I like more creature comforts.
Wonderful pictures Leslie, and a great choice for Q.
Marvelous post for the Q Day, Leslie! Love your photos! Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia
ABC Team
You did a fantastic job with Q this week. Great shots and very informative post.
Interesting and a good choise for Q day :)
Loved the history/geography lesson! And that church...amazing!
What an interesting post! Thank you for sharing. :-)
How interesting to live in a country with goldmining areas.The photos of the old mining towns are very interesting!
Great post and shots. My how time changes some things and not others.
I always enjoy the posts about history. Thanks.
The Caraboo Wagon Road is an evocative name. Sounds a fascinating place, love those old photos, (from the comfort of my chair).
I've often wonder where that name came from. I like the sound of it.
I love the picture of the old church.
What an interesting look at Quesnel! Have not visited there but would like to next time.
Have a wonderful week!
What a Quaint place...love those last old pictures. Great choice for Q.
Quaint indeed!
That is a perfect gold rush town! Just like the movies!!
Thanks for the visit. I've never been to either Quesnel or Barkerville. - Margy
What an interesting town.
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