In 1896 miners in the Yukon found gold in a Creek. They shipped the gold nuggets to off to Seattle, USA. Within a few days news spread and a huge gold rush was on. Over 43,000 people in the years between 1897-1900. Treacheros rivers, towering mountains, fridgid winter temperatures, vast distances and a great deal of isolation challenged even the toughest gold seekers. Reaching the gold fields was a terryfying ordeal for many people.Who were these gold seekers? Most were everyday people from Canada, the United States and Europe. Others were business people who profited from the needs of the gold seekers. They set up stores to provide equipment and food or sold horses or lumber to miners. Criminals eventually made their way north starting illegal gambling circles. The Mounties did the best they could to preserve law and order in the Yukon.
