The Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858 As Reported by the California Newspapers of 1858

About the Book

This book is about the gold rush which took place in the Fraser River and vicinity in 1858, which was within the British Possession and the Washington Territory, now called British Columbia and the State of Washington. This book covers the Fraser River Gold Rush from its infancy to what could be considered its conclusion, as viewed by the California newspapers. This book is somewhat unusual as it tells the chronological history of the gold rush as it unfolded and progressed, by using newspaper articles from that era. The news articles themselves were, in most cases, letters which had been written by many of the miners or correspondents who went to the area, either to dig for gold or report on what was happening. Many of the letters capture the experiences of the writer and his ordeal in trying to reach the gold fields, as well as the latest news of the day. Over 25% of the California miners would go to this place called the Fraser River, not believing in the perils and danger that awaited them until actually faced by them. As some would say, crossing the plains was nothing in comparison to trying to reach the gold fields of the Fraser River and vicinity. This book readily depicts their reason for saying so.

About the Author

While in the U.S. Military stationed in Turkey in the eary 1970s, Swindle became interested in minerals and geology. In returning to the U.S. and during the 26 years he lived in Colorado, he spent countless hours in the mountainous terrain looking for, digging and collecting the minerals known to exist in the Pikes Peak Region. He always enjoyed writing, which resulted in having six extended articles about minerals and his experiences published in a national mineral magazine over a period of eight years. He then spent six years searching the plains around the Pikes Peak Region, to determine the origin, types and forms of Petrified Wood existing within that area. In moving to the California and the Gold Belt Region, it seemed only natural that searching out the history of its gold would follow the author's next interest. As a result of this interest, two books have been published. The first was The History of the Gold Discoveries of the Northern Mines of California's Mother Lode Gold Belt, As Told by the Newspapers and Miners (1848-1875). The second was The History of the Gold Discoveries of the Southern Mines of California's Mother Lode Gold Belt, As Told by the Newspapers and Miners (1848-1860). Also by Lewis J. Swindle: The History of the Gold Discoveries of the Northern Mines
The History of the Gold Discoveries of the Southern Mines HREF="http://www.trafford.com/trafford.acgi$view-item?item=1744&user=#cookie#">The Story and Trials of Adolph Julius Weber