| The Fraser River |
|
No discussion of early West Coast transportation can take place without talking about the mighty Fraser River, which runs most of the length of British Columbia, and provided the main means of shipping and transportation in the province's early days. The Fraser River was first officially 'discovered' -- by Europeans -- by Sir Alexander Mackenzie during a journey to the Pacific Ocean in 1793. Before that, of course, the First Nations lived along the Fraser River for centuries upon centuries.
Continued exploration and settlement of western Canada occurred throughout the 1800's. |
as Britain and the United States raced against one another to claim the resource-rich land for their own. Soon, BC was being settled under the supervision of Britain's Governor James Douglas, and as the Gold Rush gained momentum, so did the routes of transportation. It was Douglas himself who saw the need for better transportation - in the form of a road - to and from Barkerville, the center of the Gold Rush. In order to supply food and equipment to the growing city of Barkerville and the workers on the emerging Cariboo Road, steamboating became a main means of transportation upon the Fraser River. |
|
|
|
|
STEAMBOATIN' JAMIESONS (PART 1)
Words and Music .
There were five
Brothers Jamieson, pride of the great Northwest
When it came to steamboat
piloting, the Jamiesons were best!
There's stories told of Captains bold who plied the Northwest
chuck
The Steamboatin' Jamiesons had the hardest luck!
It's said the trouble all began back in 1854
The first of the fated Jamiesons was standing on the wharf
Canemah
town heard a frightening sound with a great horrific roar
The "Gazelle" was flung into "Kingdom Come" and that left only
4
Four Steamboat Jamiesons, pride of the great Northwest
When it came to steamboat piloting, the Jamiesons were best!
Then on the steamer
"Portland", the Willamette River run
Poor Mother Jamieson, she lost another son
The Portland stalls above the falls and amidst
the ship's debris
Was the lifeless frame of Robert J. and now there's only 3
Three Steamboat Jamiesons, were the pride of the great Northwest
When it came to steamboat piloting, the Jamiesons were best!
Thanks to Val Patenaude, Curator,
Maple Ridge Museum & Archives
|
|
