Dawson Charlie facts for kids
Dawson Charlie or K̲áa Goox̱ (born around 1865 – died December 26, 1908) was a First Nation person from Canada. He was part of the Tagish and Tlingit peoples. Dawson Charlie is famous because he was one of the people who first found gold at a place called Discovery Claim. This discovery started the huge Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon territory of Northwest Canada.
Dawson Charlie was the nephew of Keish, who was also known as Skookum Jim Mason. Charlie went with his uncle to look for his aunt, Kate Carmack. Together, Dawson Charlie, his uncle, and George Carmack claimed some of the very first gold spots in the Klondike area. A well-known storyteller named Angela Sidney was also his niece.
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Discovering Gold in the Klondike
Dawson Charlie played a key role in one of the most exciting times in Canadian history: the Klondike Gold Rush.
What Was the Klondike Gold Rush?
The Klondike Gold Rush was a time when many thousands of people rushed to the Yukon in the late 1890s. They hoped to find gold and become rich. It all started because of the discovery made by Dawson Charlie and his family. This event changed the history of the Yukon and Canada forever.
How Was the Gold Discovered?
In August 1896, Dawson Charlie, his uncle Skookum Jim, and George Carmack were exploring along Rabbit Creek (which was later renamed Bonanza Creek). They found a lot of gold in the creek. This discovery quickly spread, causing a massive rush of people from all over the world to the Klondike region.
Later Life and Legacy
Dawson Charlie's life continued after the gold discovery, though he kept a lower profile than some others.
What Was His Other Name?
By 1901, Dawson Charlie had started using the legal name "Charles Henderson." There is a small difference in records about when he was born. The 1901 census says he was born in 1864 or 1865, but his tombstone says 1866.
How Did He Pass Away?
Dawson Charlie died in Carcross, Yukon, on December 26, 1908. He passed away after falling from the White Pass and Yukon Route railway bridge. His legacy lives on as one of the key figures who started the Klondike Gold Rush.
