Stikeen River journal., 1899-04-29
THE CASSIAR BOOM.
A History of the Great Rush of
 1S7H

1874
 l Gold has been an attractive element 1 to mankind from the earliest dawn of history, and that it's attractivencss has not decreased is evidenced by the cagcrncss to search in every available place. The Cassiar mines, which were discovered in 1873, have taken on Il new impetus. The Cnssiar country, which extends over Il large area, lies northeast of Wrangel. In 1873 Me Collough aud fhibert first found gold on McGollonghs bar lnamed in honor of the former for the discovery on Lizard river.
 The next spring of II, the year of the great rush, d large party set out for the gold regions. Thibert and Me Collough were members of the party. but death overlook Mccullough and his remains were buried on the banks of the Stkeen river. Deasc and Thib- ert creeks were worked extensively and gave d handsome return for their labor.
 The next spring of 15 the Moore Bros. obtained d charter from the Gov crnment, and a trlil was constructed from Glenora in d northrastcriy dirce- tion to the head of DcaSc lake, il dis tance of - miles (which covers nearly the same ground ns the old indian | l I I'n l,1 tu, md river. ncasc lake is about p miles and on an average of about three miles wide. Over this trail pack trains were run and goods were transported at forty cent, per pound. They finally sold out to the government.
 The rush to the Cussiar country all went by way of the Stikccn river. and the trail from Telegraph creek. In succeeding years several creeks were found to be rich in the precious metal and mining was carried on actively, on of Walkcr's creek was of the most val- uable character: the gravel paid a- high as S20 to S25 per man per day.
 Placer mining was the principal mining, except a few tunnels in which were used what were called China pumps.
 In this country are found some cX- ceedingly rich quartz mines. but the ditliculity of access. and the expense of transportation has heretofore almost defeated the attempt to mine them successfully.
 Mining was exceedingly easy as com dfred with other countries, as pay dirt was found at depths ranging from four to six feet on the surface. An abundance of timber and considerable water was easily obtainable.
 The surrounding country is noun tainous but no high mountains cross- ing the trail. intcrspersed with prai- ries containing bunch grass. timber and swamp grass in large quantities.
 These mines which welded so we'll in the early 1O's. are now receiving. renewed attention. Large companies with great amounts of money are com mcncing operations. As an evidence of their richness. the British Column bia government last year made d grant to an English company of 100000 acres of land in the Cassiar district if it will build line of railroad from the l Pacific coast to Dcase lake. which will open up both the Cassiar and the Omenica mines.
 In looking at the map it will be seen that the Carriboo. Omenica. Caesiar. and the rich Yukon mine. are all in the sane mineral belt.
 It was the Cassiar excitement which gave Wrangel its first prominencc ! ilnnlr1 k of prospectOrs would spend the SammHrS in that country and come to Wrangcl in the winter, returning the next spring. This place was also the source of supplies at that time as it is now.