The Fraser River Gold Rush Of 1858

This book is about the gold rush which took place in the Fraser River and vicinity in 1858, which was within the British Possession and the Washington Territory, now called British Columbia and the State of Washington. This book covers the Fraser River Gold Rush from its infancy to what could be considered its conclusion, as viewed by the California newspapers. This book is somewhat unusual as it tells the chronological history of the gold rush as it unfolded and progressed, by using newspaper articles from that era. The news articles themselves were, in most cases, letters which had been written by many of the miners or correspondents who went to the area, either to dig for gold or report on what was happening. Many of the letters capture the experiences of the writer and his ordeal in trying to reach the gold fields, as well as the latest news of the day. Over 25% of the California miners would go to this place called the Fraser River, not believing in the perils and danger that awaited them until actually faced by them. As some would say, crossing the plains was nothing in comparison to trying to reach the gold fields of the Fraser River and vicinity. This book readily depicts their reason for saying so.

The year 1858 proved to be the most eventful in western Canada as waves of American miners made their way to the Fraser River country, joining hundreds of Indians, Vancouver Island colonists, and former fur trade employees in the gold fields. The newcomers were some of the earliest pioneers of British Columbia.

Literary Nonfiction. California Interest. Native American Studies. This trailblazing history focuses on a single year, 1858, the year of the Fraser River gold rush--the third great mass migration of gold seekers after the Californian and Australian rushes in search of a new El Dorado. Marshall's history becomes an adventure, prospecting the rich pay streaks of British Columbia's "founding" event and the gold fever that gripped populations all along the Pacific Slope. Marshall unsettles many of our most taken-for-granted assumptions: he shows how foreign miner-militias crossed the 49th parallel, taking the law into their own hands, and conducting extermination campaigns against Indigenous peoples while forcibly claiming the land. Drawing on new evidence, Marshall explores the three principal cultures of the goldfields--those of the fur trade (both Native and the Hudson's Bay Company), Californian, and British world views. The year 1858 was a year of chaos unlike any other in British Columbia and American Pacific Northwest history. It produced not only violence but the formal inauguration of colonialism, Native reserves and, ultimately, the expansion of Canada to the Pacific Slope. Among the haunting legacies of this rush are the cryptic place names that remain--such as American Creek, Texas Bar, Boston Bar, and New York Bar--while the unresolved question of Indigenous sovereignty continues to claim the land.

It is 1858 and thousands of gold seekers are descending on the west coast of British Columbia to seek their fortunes in the gold rush. The new British colony becomes a hive of activity where Americans, Canadians, and the indigenous people of the land collide, often with deadly repercussions. An unlikely team of adventurers forge an alliance as they make their way along the treacherous Fraser River, hoping to strike it rich. With dangers at every turn from man, nature, and beast, the men learn to rely on one another to survive. Though they all seek enough gold to change their lots in life, friendship and camaraderie may be the greatest treasure to be found on their journey. The Deadly Five is based on the enthralling and fascinating Fraser River Gold Rush. Brimming with adventure and intrigue, readers will be whisked back to the early 1800s where life was merciless, and it took courage and determination to find that elusive pot of gold.

In 1858, reports of gold found on the Fraser River spurred tens of thousands of people--mostly men--to rush into the territory we now call British Columbia. They came with visions of fortune in their eyes. The lucky ones struck it rich, but most left penniless or died trying for the motherlode. Some stayed behind and helped build the colony and the province of British Columbia.

"A history of the Fraser River goldrush in the year 1858. It focuses on the war between the native gold miners and the mostly California gold miners, along with the attempts by the British to retain control. It deals with the miners' associations and the numerous non-Caucasian groups as part of the gold rush."--

A real treat for history buffs... --Annie Boulanger, The Record Partial proceeds from sales will be donated to the BC Historical Federation.

Gold, Grit, Guns is the first book based on the only four surviving diaries written by miners who sought their golden fortunes on British Columbia's Fraser River in 1858. What was life like for those adventurers? How did their actions impact the creation of British Columbia? George Beam, an Illinois-born settler on Whidbey Island in Washington State, brought hopes of American annexation and distrust of First Nations. He left with a thousand dollars. Otis Parsons of Connecticut made money as a California merchant, then volunteered to build new roads from Harrison Lake to Lillooet. He used them for merchandising. The third miner, an unnamed Upper Canadian, befriended Colonial officials and First Nations people. He earned a thousand dollars, overwintered in Victoria, then drowned in the Cariboo gold rush in the 1860s. George Slocumb from Illinois suffered the fate of most -- increasing poverty and desperation. Background chapters present miners' costs, the first detailed study of 1858 mining practices, and the grim story of how mining culture compromised First Nations life. Gold, Grit, Guns is rich with 115 rarely seen illustrations of life on the Fraser in 1858 as well as maps of the area.