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In 1862, Billy Barker came down Williams Creek valley from Richfield in search of a rich strike. He reasoned that a spur of the underlying bedrock that jutted into the valley would be a good place to dig for gold.
Many thought that he was crazy because most of the gold that had been found to date was in the easier surface excavations. But, after cutting through a hard, dry, clay layer at a depth of 42 feet, he found the richest strike to date in August of 1862.
The amount of gold that was brought out led to the development of stores and bars around his and his partner’s claims. Barker was generous with his new found wealth and became a favorite of is companions in the Goldfields.
The peak in production of Gold Rush years on Williams Creek and in Barkerville came in 1964 and 1865.
The deep excavations and problems with ground water changed the nature of mining for gold away from the free booting prospector.But, Barkerville lived on through two major booms, one ca. 1895 to 1910 and again in the 1930s and 40s.The later due to the development of hard rock mining in Wells.
Barkerville Historic Town celebrates the history of gold mining in the Cariboo and the changing nature of life in a frontier British Columbia community. During the summer, street interpreters provide an 1870s perspective on Barkerville bringing to light over one hundred years of history. A black smith hammer rings out as demonstrations at the forge bring to life this essential art that formed a backbone to the mining industry.
The Wendle house provides the visitor with the friendly atmosphere of a 1900s home. The Cornish Waterwheel is in operation demonstrating the power source that moved the water and gold out of the deep diggings and which was in use in the area into the 20th century.
Judge Begbie provides perspective on one of main players in the development of laws as well as the meeting out of justice in British Columbia up to 1900.
The Williams Creek Schoolhouse puts the R's back into Reading Writing and Arithmetic and provides lessons in manners and etiquette for the less well rounded prospectors.
Barkerville’s Chinatown is one of its main features, as up to half the population could have been from there at any given time in Barkerville’s history. The Anglican Church still holds regular services during the summer and was built in 1869. Canada Post also operates one of the oldest post offices in Canada.
Over 20 businesses provide services to the visitors in a fashion that makes the stores indistinguishable from the presentation throughout town. This includes: the exciting Theatre Royal shows that emulate 19th century productions, stage coach rides, an operating newspaper from the 1870s, a photograph studio where you can have your picture taken in period costume, or you can rent a costume and join in on the fun.
Three bed and breakfasts allow you to stay over in 19th century surrounding.
There are two fine dining restaurants, one Chinese, and a light lunch counter,
as well as a bakery. Several other shops include a candy counter, a sewing
room, four general stores (two in Chinatown), help round out the presentation.
Of the 130 buildings on site, twenty are reproductions and 100 building are
original to the town. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts make up the over
130 display. Most buildings have exhibits that reflect the life and times
in Barkerville, from the 1860s exhibits right through to the 1930s.
One of the most striking aspects about Barkerville, and what most visitors agree on, is its hold on authenticity as it is presented in the buildings, exhibits and live interpretive presentations. Mining and Chinese museums are housed in 1930 buildings.
The Wilf Thompson exhibit is just as he left it when he passed away in 1979, being the last remaining full time resident at Barkerville. Surprisingly enough, it is just the ball point pens on the table that differentiate this old miner’s home from the 1890s exhibits as change is subtle element throughout the town. Exhibits of mining equipment and machinery are on the bulkhead that protected the town from floods. Our Chinatown presentations are the largest in North America.
Special events throughout the summer
include the Grand opening in mid- May, the opening of the Theatre Royal main
show in mid-June (they have a shorter spring show), a totally new and different
evening show in July and August, July 1st, Canada Day (Dominion Day) Festival,
Gold Panning Championships and the Invitational Hose Carriage Races, in August,
and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at the beginning of September. Other special
events, which are many, are as posted.
During the winter, our big event is Barkerville Christmas, which runs during
December and features a variety of activities, from caroling in the Anglican
Church to sleigh rides and special presentations in our Visitor’s Centre,
and, of course, Santa.
Visitors should be aware that Barkerville is at 4,200 feet and can be cooler
than elsewhere. Be prepared to put on a coat. There is lots of hiking and
wildlife in the area and we are closely associated with the town of Wells
and Bowron Lake Park.
For up-to-date Barkerville Historic Town visitor information, including
admission prices, special events, and all the special tour packages that
are available please visit the Barkerville Historic Town website.
| info@wellsbc.com | Contact Info. | 1- 877- 451- 9355 |
