Bennett, British Columbia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bennett
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Ghost town
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Bennett railway station
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 Bennett
Location in British Columbia
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Location | Bennett Lake at border between British Columbia and Yukon, Canada |
| Tent camp for klondikers | 1897–1899 |
Bennett is an old, abandoned town in British Columbia, Canada. It sits right next to Bennett Lake and along Lindeman Creek. Today, Bennett is part of the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada, looked after by Parks Canada. If you travel on the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad during the summer, Bennett is one of the stops!
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History of Bennett
Bennett became a busy place during the Klondike Gold Rush, which happened between 1897 and 1899. It was built at the end of two famous trails: the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. These trails started from the ports of Skagway and Dyea in Alaska.
Why Bennett Was Important
Gold seekers, also known as "stampeders," would carry their supplies all the way over the Coast Mountains from the ports. Once they reached Bennett, they would build or buy rafts. These rafts were then used to float down the Yukon River to the gold fields near Dawson City, Yukon. Bennett was a key stopping point where people prepared for the next part of their journey.
How Bennett Became a Ghost Town
Bennett's busy days didn't last long. In 1900, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad was finished. This new railway went straight to Whitehorse, completely bypassing Bennett. Because the town's economy depended on the gold seekers and river travelers, it quickly collapsed. Without the constant flow of people, Bennett became an abandoned "ghost town."
Famous Places in Bennett
Even though it was a temporary town, Bennett had some important buildings. One of these was the Arctic Hotel, which served as a hotel and restaurant for the many people passing through.
