Original Gold Discovery / Discovery Claim National Historic Event
Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory
Skookum Jim
(© Canada. Dept. of Interior | ministère de l'Intérieur / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-044683)
Address :
Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1959-11-25
Other Name(s):
-
Original Gold Discovery / Discovery Claim
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Gold strike, 1896, that led to Klondike Gold Rush, 1897-98
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory
The names Robert Henderson, Skookum Jim, Tagish Charlie and George Carmack are inextricably linked to the discovery of gold on Bonanza Creek. Henderson was the first to systematically explore the gold bearing potential of the region, only to have the major find elude him. Then on 17 August 1896 Jim struck gold, and with his companions Charlie and Carmack staked the first claims. A few days later at Forty Mile, Carmack in his own name registered the Discovery Claim where this monument stands. Within days Bonanza and Eldorado Creeks had been staked and when the news reached the outside the Klondike Gold Rush was on.