Fraser River Gold Rush

The Fraser River Gold Rush occurred in the late 1850s in British Columbia, Canada, after gold was discovered in the Fraser River area. Thousands of prospectors and fortune-seekers, known as "49ers," flocked to the region hoping to strike it rich. The rush significantly impacted the local economy and led to increased immigration, particularly from the United States, and the establishment of new communities. It also intensified tensions with Indigenous peoples and spurred the development of infrastructure. The gold rush played a crucial role in shaping British Columbia's history and contributed to its eventual entry into Canada.