Ghost Town - Barkerville B.C.

Once the largest city North of San Francisco and West of Chicago; Barkerville was a gold rush town, and by the mid-1860's, became the home to over 5 thousand people.

Prosperous miners with ghost dog

Named after the miner Billy Barker (b. mar. 1817 - d. Jul.11, 1894) who was one of the first to discover gold in 1861; and whose claim was the largest of all.

Billy Barker -who died penniless- BTW

However, by the end of the century, the gold had became scarce and Barkerville's resident population declined. It peaked again during the 1930's when a further gold vein was discovered; but that was short-lived and the town declined rapidly thereafter. 

Here a recent panoramic view of the main town. Not shown: cool graveyard, Richfield courthouse, overgrown Richfield cemetery.....

Graveyards! 

Yes!

                                                         

                                                     

                        It's just like in The Legend of Zelda!

 Located in the interior of British Columbia ( British-who-what-where-huh?**), Barkerville is now a ghost town-come-sight-seeing-Heritage Park, with over 100 restored buildings, and many attractions. Stagecoach rides, gold mining, period actors, live theater.....and much more.

There is church service (most summer days) at St. Saviour's Anglican (below). It is also the oldest running church in British Columbia (since 1870).

What beauty the area offers. 

I have been to the park several times over the years and I know it fairly well. 

It is VERY family friendly. 

3 very decent campgrounds -as in: "can you say running water and showers?" - all within walking distance of the park.

Reasonably priced lodging available in both Barkerville and nearby Wells.

Naturally, the local people are fairly laid back, easy-going types (typical of Northerners).

Typical Friendly Locals

  

Ha ha  suckers- only the 3rd photo is for real.

This is Barkerville's official website:

http://www.barkerville.ca/

Go there! 

See for yourselves!  Let me know how it was! 

if it isn't any good -  I don't want to hear from you

**

British Columbia....it's right here dummies- 

special thanks to:

• Wikipedia
• Google Search
• Barkerville.ca