Images of Barkerville Historic Town & Park
Barkerville Historic Town & Park and its collection
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Barkerville, located in the Quesnel Highlands near the Cariboo Mountains, was the epicenter of the Cariboo Gold Rush in Canadian British Columbia starting from 1863. It is approximately 80 km east of Quesnel. In 1924, it was declared a National Historic Site, marking its significance in the history of Canada.
Origins and Restoration of Barkerville
The town of Barkerville was named after the English gold prospector, Billy Barker, who discovered gold in this area in 1862. The town, which at its peak had a population of over 5,000, became a ghost town four decades later. However, since 1958, efforts have been made to restore the town and research its rich history.
Rebuilding and Growth of Barkerville
On September 16, 1868, a fire destroyed numerous wooden houses in Barkerville. However, the resilient community rebuilt 90 buildings within six weeks. The narrow Main Street was widened, sidewalks were added, and in 1880, a school was established, starting with 13 students.
DEBarkerville (British Columbia)
FRBarkerville
ENBarkerville Historic Town
History & Anthropology Historic house Open air