Quesnel Forks Ghost Town


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While we were on vacation near Wells, B.C. We left our camper boondocked and took the truck on the Back Road to Barkerville, which links Wells, Barkerville and Likelyon a rainy day. Please click here for the map. By the time we reached Quesnel Forks Ghost Town, it was raining heavily. We were the only visitors which probably due to the weather.

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“Today Quesnel Forks is BC’s last remaining ghost town, dating back to 1858. By the early 1860’s, gold fever was rampant at the forks of the Quesnel and Cariboo Rivers and “The Forks” quickly became a rowdy gold camp attracting close to 5,000 people. Even after prospectors moved further north, the Forks remained a busy centre until bypassed by the Cariboo Wagon Road. By 1875, it became a thriving Chinese community with over 200 merchants and miners. The site had several revivals, but during the 1920’s most of the area mines closed and by 1956, it was abandoned. Today, the Likely Cemetery Society lovingly cares for Quesnel Forks.”- Travel British Columbia

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Quesnel Forks became another of the instant settlements spawned by the gold rush. Soon boarding houses, bars and stores covered the flats between the rivers and toll bridges were thrown up by wiley businessmen. There was a great deal of profitable activity in the immediate area but like any rush claims were quickly staked and later comers either worked for an existing operation or pushed further inland.”- Quesnel Museum.

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“As the prospectors followed the gold trail up the Fraser River they soon discovered that the Quesnel river was the key source. Following that river to where it was joined by the Cariboo river they found gold bearing gravels in the creeks, on the lakes, on the rivers and Quesnel Forks sprung up to supply them.” Quesnel Museum.

Tok in Quesnel Forks.

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Inside the Tong House. Please see the next photo.

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The first Tong house in B.C.

Hongmen, renamed Chee Kung Tong (Gee Kung Tong) in 1876, established tongs in Quesnel Forks (1859), Barkerville, Cumberland (1929-1950) and Rossland. These were mutual aid societies, focused on establishing rules of conduct in the gold fields, and resisting encroachment by individuals or other societies claiming the right to initiate members.18”  – Freemasonry

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Chinese General store.

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The town was not abandoned until the 1950s.” – Wikipedia

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I do not know what this is.
Edit: One of my friends thinks it is an Art Deco wood burner stove and I think she is right.

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I wonder how much trouble it was to transport a bath to Quesnel Forks in those days.

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“Today, visitors to Quesnel Forks can explore the restored pioneer buildings and historic cemetery. Historical research and work projects began in the 1990s under the leadership of the Likely Cemetery Society and teacher/historian David Falconer. The cemetery area was cleared and secured, graves identified with headboards, and the Chee Kung Tong house stabilized with the assistance of local residents.” Wikipedia

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Inside the visitor’s center.

Quesnel Forks, B.C., Ghost Town
Ghost Towns of Canada Photo Gallery

Barkerville’s cemetery

2 comments

  1. Great post.

    What an adventure. I call it adventure, because I see it so. Old houses with old stuff were interesting to see. Thank You also showing the cemetery. I always visit them when possible.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I’m glad you liked it. It was very interesting and relaxing. They have done a wonderful job in the restoration and upkeep. We also try to visit cemeteries when we can.
      Although it was difficult to take photos in the rain, they came out quite nice.

      Like

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