BC’s Gold Rush

BC’s Gold Rush

Primary Documents

From the Royal BC Museum

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.

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

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

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

Where to Begin Your Own Research

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!

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.

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

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