Introduction

The Gold Rush

Aboriginal Culture

Chief Isidore

Galbraith's Ferry

Instead of Mining
A lot of people thought that they could make more money by helping the needs of the miners instead of mining themselves. John Galbraith was one of these men. He had come to Wild Horse Creek intending to mine for gold. Once he got there he realized that many people and their supplies were heading to the new gold field. Prospectors, merchants and settlers needed an easy way to cross the Kootenay River. So instead of working the creek for gold Mr. Galbraith applied for and got a license to build a rope ferry across the river.

The Result

Galbraith’s Ferry on the Kootenay (FS-10.03)

Mr. Galbraith charged $5 per person or animal for every crossing. With over 5000 people living in town and just as many animals he made more money in a very short time from his ferry than most of the gold miners in Fisherville.

Mr. Galbraith made so much money that he soon built a store by the ferry crossing and started a pack train. He had about 100 horses and mules that would travel between Fisherville and Walla Walla carrying supplies.

Once most of the gold had been claimed from Wild Horse Creek the prospectors moved on looking for new places to make their fortunes. Mr Galbraith decided to stay by Fisherville, and soon the small community that was left behind was called Galbraith’s Ferry.

The Town of Fisherville		Dewdney Trail