During the Fraser River gold rush of 1858, and the Cariboo gold rush of 1862, many of the gold mining "towns" began.

Many of the towns were founded by miners who were following the creeks of gold.

Miners also needed supplies and craved entertainment, so these towns were quickly built. They provided easy ways for miners to spend their gold, almost as fast as they could dig it up!

By 1862, shacks made of wood began to appear around the digging camps of the Cariboo. Soon towns like Barkerville, Richfield, Camerontown, Van Winkle were formed and rang with excitement.

...learn more about "Gold Mining Claims"