Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site of Canada

Commissioner's Residence:

Commissioner's Residence before the fire in 1906
© MSCUA, University of Washington Libraries, Adams & Larkin 51

The Klondike Gold Rush sparked the imagination of a country and helped to firmly establish Canadian sovereignty in the relatively uncharted northwest. In the early years of the rush, the Canadian government was represented by the North West Mounted Police. In July of 1897, the federal government appointed a commissioner to head the government of the newly declared Yukon Territory. Very quickly, Dawson City grew from a city of tents and shacks to a modern metropolis, boasting churches, hotels, a school and a hospital. Perhaps more than any other building, the Commissioner's Residence represented the confidence the government had in this new town and its prospects.

It was built in 1901 to present and image of elegance and confidence, to attract potential investors, and give the town a settled and solid appearance. The office of the Commissioner itself represented a coming of age for the Yukon Territory and J.H. Ross, the Yukon Commissioner at the time, wanted the significance of his position to be reflected in a building of suitable grandeur. It was designed by Thomas Fuller, whom later became the Dominion architect and designed Ottawa's present parliament buildings. The first building on the site was a simple, two story structure with classical lines. It was modified within two years after its construction into a fanciful Victorian mansion with verandas and elaborate gingerbread ornamentation. After a fire in 1906, the building was reconstructed to the form and appearance of the house that stands today.

George and Martha Black
© Parks Canada / Wiley Collection / 201.3.18

In the early days of the gold rush, the Commissioner's role was to provide basic administrative services for a largely non-British and transient population. As the character of the mining industry changed to long term commitments from established mining companies, the role of the Commissioner changed as well. The commissioner's role was now one of duality; the first to create a congenial atmosphere for investment and development in the north and second, to create favorable local social and economic conditions for the implementation of the administrative and economic goals. The residence was used as a venue for activities reflecting all these roles on many social occasions.
Although occupied by several commissioners and their families, undoubtedly the most memorable were George and Martha Black, the last full time residents. The Blacks occupied the house from 1912 to 1916. During their stay, they welcomed all levels of society from humble miners to foreign dignitaries. From lavish furnishings to the formal gardens, Martha's special interest in the residence represented a cultural oasis in the wilderness. Dawsonites were proud to show visitors a level of hospitality comparable to southern centres and so much contrast with the mud, gravel and simple cabins found in the goldfields. Both the Blacks went on to play important roles in the political life of the Yukon over the next several years.

Due to its association with the Dominion government's role in the development of the territory, and the administrative and social leadership of the Commissioner, the residence was designated nationally significant and Parks Canada undertook the role of caretaker for the building. The restoration of the main floor of the house and the gardens, represents many years of work by a team of specialists. Archaeologists, historians, architects, conservators and other professionals worked together to bring the building back to the grand state it had been when the Blacks held their garden parties and receptions. After more than eighty years, the residence stands ready once again to receive guests in the gracious manner of the Commissioner and the chatelaine of the government house.