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INTRODUCTION
The fieldwork on the Whitehorse-Dawson Overland Trail began in 1993 after a
study, funded by the Northern Research Institute, on the methods of
recording the historical resources. It was realized then, what a large project
it would be, considering the distances to cover, and the fact that the original
routes are mostly away from modern access. The trail was divided into four
areas of study, determined largely by the difficulties of the river crossings. A
long-term plan was made to priorize recording the physical remains of the
trail while there was still evidence, and then accumulate archival research.
The present report is a result of the third field-work project to be
undertaken, designed to examine, locate and photographically record the
roadhouse sites, farms and engineering features associated with the
Whitehorse-Dawson Overland Trail. The first two projects covered the area
from the Pelly River north to Dawson, and this year's field-work was from
Takhini Crossing to Carmacks. The main trail between Carmacks and the Pelly
River remains to be recorded.
Discussions about the project took place during the winter of 1995-96 with
MacBride Museum, Yukon Historical and Museums Association and YTG Heritage
Branch and it was decided to make a co-operative effort for funding. MacBride
Museum sponsored a research fellowship grant from the Northern Research
Institute and YHMA sponsored a grant from Lotteries Yukon, while Heritage
Branch provided the rest of the funding. The original scope of the work area
was to include Yukon Crossing, but because one third of the funding was not
realized, the project was shortened to Carmacks. Of the areas of the Overland
Trail that are not recorded, the route from Carmacks to Takhini was priorized
because of the interest of groups such as the Trans-Canada Trail Committee
and the Yukon Quest Association in the use of parts of the trail for
recreational purposes, The results of this project will help determine trails
and future interpretation of the historical resources.
For our purposes the name Overland Trail, which was commonly used in
newspapers and archival material in the early 1900's, has been used on the
site maps and in the narrative report. However, because of some confusion
with the "Overland Route" from the Klondike Gold Rush era, as the trail to
Edmonton, the prefix Whitehorse-Dawson is used in the titles. Local people
around Carma.cks and Whitehorse call the road the "Dawson Trail" and it is
also known as the Yukon Stage Line.
A considerable amount of preliminary research was done before conducting the
field-work. Historic and contemporary maps and photographs helped to
determine the location of possible sites. A 1904 Road Survey Plan for the
Overland Trail has buildings noted. Oral histories, books, diaries and other
resource materials were used to help define the function of the sites. The
availability of modern routes and the best means of transportation to each site
were decided after consulting with local individuals living in the areas
concerned. Bill Drury Sr., from Whitehorse and Steve Watson, from Braeburn
Lodge were very helpful, not only with directions but also with the history.
Murray Lundberg kindly let us use his extensive research on roadhouses.