Matthew H.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rush

My project is on the two gold rushes that changed British Columbia forever, the Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rush. Both of the gold rushes brought a significant amount of impact to British Columbia. In my video, I will be explaining how each of the gold rushes affected B.C. and which one caused a bigger impact.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Who would've ever thought a gold rush can bring so much impact? I thought the gold rushes was just a time when people came to British Columbia to look for gold. I had no idea that the Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rush was such a big part of the creation of British Columbia.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

On August 2, 1858, Governor Douglas established New Caledonia as a British Colony we now know was British Columbia. I consider this as the greatest impact because if this didn't happen, who knows what B.C. would be like right now, the land could've even been part of the Americans.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Back then, making a fortune wasn't easy. Some people took a huge risk and decided to travel to British Columbia for the Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rush, many people died before making it to the gold field. Today, it is a lot easier to get from one place to the other. Although gold rushes may never happen again, it would be a lot easier and efficient way to find gold if it happened today.