Alexis Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexis Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Alexis Lake Northwest of Alexis Creek 3,412 ft (1,040 m) 52°15′21″N 123°31′25″W / 52.25583°N 123.52361°W |
| River mouth | Chilcotin River Upstream from Alexis Creek 2,283 ft (696 m) 52°04′49″N 123°18′19″W / 52.08028°N 123.30528°W |
Alexis Creek is a small river in the Chilcotin District of British Columbia, Canada. It flows from Alexis Lake towards the southeast. The creek eventually joins the Chilcotin River, not far from the town also named Alexis Creek.
Why is it Called Alexis Creek?
The name "Alexis Creek" was officially given by the Geographic Boards of Canada in 1911. There are two main ideas about who it was named after.
Alexis Belanger or Chief Alexis?
One idea is that it was named for Alexis Belanger. He worked as an interpreter for the Hudson's Bay Company. This company was very important in Canadian history for trading furs.
The other idea is that it was named after a respected leader called Chief Alexis. He was a chief of the Tsilhqot'in people in the mid-1800s.
Chief Alexis and the Chilcotin War
Chief Alexis played an important role during the Chilcotin War in 1864. This was a conflict between some Tsilhqot'in people and settlers. Chief Alexis chose to remain neutral, meaning he did not pick a side in the fighting.
He even met with Governor Seymour, who was the leader of British Columbia at the time. Governor Seymour traveled to the area during the war. In his journal, Governor Seymour wrote about meeting Chief Alexis:
Chief Alexis and his men rode quickly towards him. They held their guns above their heads to show they came in peace. When Chief Alexis found out who the Governor was, he got off his horse and walked right up to him. He was wearing a French military uniform, like those you might see in old paintings.
This meeting showed that Chief Alexis was a respected leader who sought peace.
