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Dease Lake (British Columbia) facts for kids

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Dease Lake
Dease Lake is located in British Columbia
Dease Lake
Dease Lake
Location in British Columbia
Location British Columbia
Coordinates 58°38′00″N 130°04′00″W / 58.63333°N 130.06667°W / 58.63333; -130.06667
Primary outflows Dease River
Basin countries Canada

Dease Lake is a beautiful lake in the northern part of British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the Stikine Plateau, a high, flat area. The lake is the starting point for the Dease River. This river flows north and then northeast, eventually joining the larger Liard River.

At the southern end of the lake, you'll find the small community of Dease Lake, British Columbia. This area was once very busy during the Cassiar Gold Rush. Many old towns and settlements, like Laketon and Centre City, were built around the lake during that time. Today, some of these are ghost towns.

Discovering Dease Lake

Dease Lake was named in 1834 by a man named John McLeod. He was an important leader for the Hudson's Bay Company, a famous fur trading company. McLeod named the lake after Peter Warren Dease.

Who was Peter Warren Dease?

Peter Warren Dease was a key person in the fur trade. He was in charge of the New Caledonia Fur District from 1830 to 1834. He also went on important explorations. Dease was part of the Franklin Expedition in 1825-27. Later, he led his own journey, the Dease & Simpson Arctic Expedition, from 1837 to 1839.

A Place of History

The area around Dease Lake has a rich history. It was a central spot during the Cassiar Gold Rush. This was a time when many people came to British Columbia hoping to find gold.

Gold Rush Towns

As people searched for gold, new towns quickly appeared. Places like Laketon and Centre City grew up around the lake. These towns were once full of life. Today, they are mostly quiet, showing signs of their past.

Warburton Pike's Monument

Dease Lake is also the burial site for Warburton Pike. He was an English writer known for his travel stories. A monument stands there to remember him.

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