List of historic places in Yukon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Did you know that Yukon is full of amazing old buildings and places that tell stories about the past? These special spots are called historic places, and they are protected so everyone can learn from them. They can be federal (meaning the whole country cares for them), provincial (cared for by Yukon), or municipal (cared for by the local town).

This article will take you on a journey through some of Yukon's most interesting historic places! You'll discover where the famous Klondike Gold Rush began, see giant gold-mining machines, and explore old buildings that were once bustling with people.

Historic Places in Yukon

Yukon has many places that are important because of their history. They help us understand how people lived, worked, and traveled long ago. Many of these places are linked to the exciting times of the Gold Rush and the building of railways.

Dawson City's Gold Rush History

The Discovery Claim is where the Klondike Gold Rush officially began.

Dawson City was the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Many historic places here remind us of that exciting time.

Discovery Claim

The Discovery Claim is a super important spot! It's located on Bonanza Creek. This is where the first gold was found in 1896. This discovery kicked off the famous Klondike Gold Rush. Thousands of people rushed to Yukon hoping to find their fortune.

Dredge No. 4

Imagine a giant floating factory that digs for gold! That's what Dredge No. 4 was. This huge machine worked on Bonanza Creek. It scooped up tons of gravel from the riverbed to find tiny bits of gold. It's a massive reminder of how people mined for gold back then.

Dredge No. 4 was a huge machine used for gold mining.

S.S. Keno

The S.S. Keno is an old steamboat that used to travel the Yukon River. Steamboats like the Keno were super important for moving people and supplies. They connected towns like Dawson City to other places before roads were common. Now, the S.S. Keno is a museum in Dawson City.

The S.S. Keno steamboat once carried people and goods on the Yukon River.

St. Paul's Anglican Church

St. Paul's Anglican Church in Dawson City.

This beautiful church in Dawson City has been around since the Gold Rush days. It was a central part of the community. It offered a place for people to gather and worship. It shows how people built a life in the wild Yukon.

Old Territorial Administration Building

This building was once the main office for the Yukon government. It's where important decisions were made about the territory. It played a big role in how Yukon was managed during its early days.

The Old Territorial Administration Building in Dawson City.

Former Territorial Court House

The Former Territorial Court House in Dawson City.

The Former Territorial Court House National Historic Site was where legal cases were heard. It helped keep law and order during the busy Gold Rush. It's a key part of Dawson City's history.

Robert Service Cabin

The cabin where famous poet Robert Service lived.

This small cabin was home to Robert W. Service, a famous poet. He wrote many poems about the Yukon and the Gold Rush. His cabin helps us imagine what life was like for artists in this wild land.

Yukon Hotel

The Yukon Hotel National Historic Site is one of the oldest hotels in Dawson City. It welcomed many travelers and gold seekers. It gives us a peek into the lively social life of the town.

The historic Yukon Hotel in Dawson City.

Commissioner's Residence

This grand house was where the Commissioner of Yukon lived. This person was the top government official. The residence shows the importance of leadership in the territory's development.

The Commissioner's Residence in Dawson City.

Dawson Daily News

The Dawson Daily News building was home to the local newspaper. Newspapers were vital for sharing news and stories. They kept people informed about the Gold Rush and daily life.

The Dawson Daily News building.

Yukon Sawmill Company Office

The Yukon Sawmill Company Office.

This office belonged to a company that cut wood for buildings. Wood was super important for building homes and businesses in Dawson City. This office shows how industries supported the growing town.

Ruby's Place

Ruby's Place in Dawson City.

Ruby's Place is another historic building in Dawson City. It tells a story about the people who lived and worked there.

Dawson City Telegraph Office

The Dawson City Telegraph Office.

The Dawson City Telegraph Office was where messages were sent and received. Telegraphs were the fastest way to communicate over long distances back then. This office connected Dawson City to the rest of the world.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Dawson City.

Like St. Paul's, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was an important community building. It shows the different groups that made up Dawson City.

Tr'ochëk National Historic Site

Tr'ochëk National Historic Site.

Tr'ochëk National Historic Site is a very important place for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation. It was a traditional fishing camp and settlement. It shows the long history of Indigenous people in the area.

Dawson Historical Complex

The Dawson Historical Complex National Historic Site includes many buildings in Dawson City. Together, they tell the whole story of the Gold Rush and how the town grew. It's like a living museum!

Part of the Dawson Historical Complex.

Historic Places in Carcross

Carcross is another historic town in Yukon. It was an important stop for travelers and goods.

Caribou Hotel

The historic Caribou Hotel in Carcross.

The Caribou Hotel in Carcross is a beautiful old hotel. It was built during the Gold Rush era. It provided a place for travelers to rest on their long journeys.

White Pass and Yukon Railway Station

The White Pass and Yukon Railway Station in Carcross.

The White Pass and Yukon Railway was a huge project. It brought people and supplies into Yukon. The station in Carcross was a key stop on this railway line.

Historic Places in Whitehorse

Whitehorse is the capital of Yukon. It also has many interesting historic sites.

S.S. Klondike

The S.S. Klondike, a famous steamboat in Whitehorse.

The SS Klondike is another famous steamboat. It's much like the S.S. Keno. It carried passengers and cargo on the Yukon River. It's now a National Historic Site in Whitehorse. You can visit it and imagine life on the river!

White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Depot

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Depot in Whitehorse.

This railway depot in Whitehorse was the main station for the White Pass and Yukon Route. It was a busy hub where trains arrived and departed. It connected Whitehorse to the outside world.

Log Skyscrapers

The unique Log Skyscrapers in Whitehorse.

The Log Skyscrapers are a unique sight in Whitehorse! They are tall buildings made entirely of logs. They show how people built homes and offices using local materials.

Old Firehall

The Old Firehall in Whitehorse.

The Old Firehall in Whitehorse was once home to the town's firefighters. It protected the community from fires. It's a reminder of the important services needed in a growing town.

Pioneer Hotel 2

The Pioneer Hotel in Whitehorse.

The Pioneer Hotel is another historic hotel. It welcomed many people coming to Whitehorse. It's part of the city's early history.

Other Historic Places

T'äw Tà'är National Historic Site

The T'äw Tà'är National Historic Site of Canada is located near the Teslin River. This site is very important to the Tlingit people. It shows their long history and culture in the Yukon.