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Yukon Territory

INTRODUCTION

The Yukon, Canada’s 9th largest province, is actually not a province but a territory. Often called the Yukon Territory, it is officially referred to by the government and residents as the Yukon. Over its long history, the Yukon has played an important role in the development of Canada, most notably through the Klondike Gold Rush and more recently in mining. The Yukon offers a widely varied terrain with plenty of natural wonders for travelers, from tundra to forests to the Kluane icefields.

HISTORY

Evidence of human habitation of the region has been dated back to sometime between 25,000 and 40,000 years. Early tools made from animal bones suggests the earliest human civilization in North America was found in the northern stretch of the Yukon. Early life was based primarily on hunting, fishing and trade with other First Nations tribes, while the land provided rich agricultural potential.

First Nations tribes were largely unaffected by European explorers prior to the early 1800s. Until that time, the Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670, was developing commercial trade routes across the continent, and had established the North-Western Territory, which included the area now covered by the Yukon.

The arrival of commercial trade led to the founding of several outposts, and a strong alliance with First Nation’s residents. When the United States purchased the land now comprising Alaska in 1867, the region lost its earliest outpost, Fort Yukon.

Some of the First Nation’s residents did not take to the European influence, and occasionally attacked trading posts. The attacks led to relocation and a few forts were abandoned.

However, trade in the area remained strong, and the population steadily grew. This was only magnified when gold was discovered in western Canada. By the end of the 19th century, gold had in fact been discovered along the Klondike River, near what is now Dawson. In what is now referred to as the Klondike Stampede, thousands of prospectors rushed to the Yukon, so much so that residents faced a serious shortage of food and supplies. As a result, prospectors were forced to carry their own supplies from as far away as California.

The gold rush had a lasting effect on the region, and spawned several popular works of fiction, including the Charlie Chaplin silent film The Gold Rush. The film became one of the highest grossing silent films in history. The city of Edmonton, in Alberta, celebrates the event with an annual summer fair and exhibition called Klondike Days.

The gold rush also brought the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to the Yukon, and led to the founding of the two largest urban centers: Dawson, founded in 1897, and Whitehorse, founded in 1898. That year, the Yukon Territory officially joined the Canadian Confederation.

The population declined following the end of the gold rush, when more than half of the urban residents left for more prosperous adventures. Mining interests expanded to include silver and copper, but the economy suffered.

In 1902, Dawson was incorporated as Dawson City, and became the seat of territorial government.

Things began to turn around with the completion of the Alaska Highway in the 1940s, which increased travel to and through the region. The highway led the way to increased urbanization.

In 1953, the capital was moved from Dawson City to the now larger city of Whitehorse. Dawson City residents began to move to the new capital, and the population dropped. Whitehorse, on the other hand, grew exponentially.

This growth took its toll on First Nations residents, and their population declined. Rising mineral prices brought minors to the territory once more, and several new mines were established.

The modern Yukon is seeing growth in tourism, as the region encompasses a wide and varied terrain, mostly untouched by the industrial world. A long aboriginal history provides unique cultural experiences, inspiring such notable Canadians as Pierre Burton and Robert Service.

Whitehorse

 Dawson?
 Watson Lake?
 Haines Junction?
 Carmacks?
 Mayo?
 Mt. Lorne?
 Ibex Valley?