Foster Bar facts for kids
Foster Bar, originally known as Foster's Bar, is a special place in the Fraser Canyon of British Columbia, Canada. It's a sandbar that once held lots of gold! Today, "Foster Bar" also refers to the area around it. This area includes lands belonging to several Indigenous communities. These are the Nesikep Indian Reserve 6 and Nesikep Indian Reserve 6A of the Cayoose Creek First Nation (who are part of the St'at'imc people). It also includes Lytton Indian Reserves Nos. 6A and 5B, and Seah Indian Reserve No. 5 of the Lytton First Nation (who are part of the Nlaka'pamux people).
A Glimpse into Foster Bar's Past
Foster Bar holds an important spot in the history of British Columbia. It was one of the very first places along the Fraser River where people started looking for gold. This happened in the mid-1850s, even before the big Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858.
The Gold Rush Era
When the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush began in 1858, Foster Bar became a very important spot. It was like a busy crossroads for gold miners and travelers. Many trails and routes met here.
- River Trail: One important path was the River Trail. This trail followed the Fraser River.
- Mountain Routes: Another route led through a low pass in the Clear Range mountains. This path went through Fountain Valley to a place called Fountain. Fountain was a key meeting point and a place where people could rest. It was on the Old Cariboo Road, which connected to towns like Lillooet and Alexandria.
- Connecting Trails: From Fountain, other routes like the one through Marble Canyon led to Upper Hat Creek. This connected to the Brigade Trail, another important historical path. Later, the main Cariboo Road also joined at this same junction.
Foster Bar Ranch Established
Years after the first gold discoveries, a ranch was started at Foster Bar. The Foster Bar Ranch was founded in 1865. It was created by Frederick Joseph Watkinson and his wife Catherine.
