BC’s Gold Rush

Primary Documents

• Prospector
  Chinese prospector crossing the Ashcroft Bridge, about 1882.

  Inventory Number: BCA C-01274

  Collection Link: https://search-bcarchives.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/chinese-prospector-crossing-ashcroft-bridge
• Rules and Regulations
  Rules and Regulations, Issued in Conformity with the Gold Fields Act, 1859. To enforce order in the gold fields the colonial government printed small, portable copies of relevant laws, ideal for carrying in a pocket.

  Inventory Number: NWs 971.35 B862g

  Collection Link: https://rbcm.catalogue.libraries.coop/eg/opac/record/125632604?locg=488;detail_record_view=1;pubdate=is;query=NWs%20971.35%20B862g

From the Royal BC Museum

• Gold Rush! Online Experience

This interactive site will give you a glimpse into the history of the gold rush in BC – just keep scrolling! For additional information, keep your eyes open for the “i” in the bottom right corner of your screen.

• Chinese Legacy in BC

Curator of History Tzu-I Chung explores how Chinese immigrants helped shape British Columbia during the 19th century gold rushes.

• Slim Jim Unmasked

Conservation Manager Kasey Lee explains the conservation process for the “Slim Jim” painting featured in the Gold Rush! El Dorado in BC exhibition.

• Links to the Gold Rush: Black Glass
• Links to the Gold Rush: Alex Phillips

Royal BC Museum Volunteer Tom Bown explores gold rush history by examining objects from the Historic Archaeology Collection.

Where to Begin Your Own Research

• BC Archives

There is research information at the BC Archives website.

Watch these helpful instructional videos on how to search the BC Archives:

How-to: BC Archives Genealogy Search. Learn how to find records on births, deaths, marriages or baptisms in BC.

How-to: BC Archives Collections Search. Learn how to find any documents aside from those used in the genealogy search, including maps, photographs, textual records, moving images or audio recordings.

If you need additional help from archives staff you can call toll free Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 1-888-447-7977.  Press ‘0’ for the operator and ask to talk with archives staff. You can also email your questions to: access@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 

Outside Links

These links will take you away from the Learning Portal. Come back soon!

•  BC in a Global Context: The Gold Rush

This excerpt from the British Columbia in a Global Context digital textbook features an interactive map of BC’s gold rushes, as well as content surrounding the role of women during BC’s gold rush.

•  Gold Rush Fever in B.C. 1858-63

This is an excellent digital article from Canada: A Country by Consent that places the BC Gold Rush within a chronological historical narrative.

•  Overview of the Fraser River War

As a University of British Columbia Ph.D. student, Dr. Lindsay Gibson wrote a brief introduction to the Fraser Canyon War.