Unsettled Boundaries - by Robert E Ficken (Paperback)

About the Book

Gold fever reached the Pacific Northwest in 1858 as thousands of optimistic prospectors crossed the 49th parallel into British territory, passing through "where no man should venture," and hoping to strike it rich. Faced with brutal weather and a lack of supplies, most returned later that same year. Even so, mining continued until simple fur trading posts were transformed into settlements, and finally, into civilization, making the Fraser River experience one of the major developments in Pacific Northwest history.

Book Synopsis

Responding to reports of gold discoveries on the Fraser River, thousands of prospectors from California and other points on the Pacific coast crossed the 49th parallel to British territory in 1858. Most returned to San Francisco and Puget Sound later in the same year, blaming their failure to find wealth in the river canyons upon uncooperative officials of the Hudson's Bay Company and the English government. Viewing events from the perspective of California, historians have generally considered the gold rush a failure. In reality, the Fraser River experience was a sustained success, continuing beyond 1858, embracing the vast interior of British Columbia and becoming one of the major developments in Pacific Northwest history. Although an artificial line bisecting forest, mountain, and prairie, the 49th parallel separated distinct regions of law and custom, explaining why Americans were unable to comprehend the true nature of their adventures in British North America.

Review Quotes

"Ficken offers...a fast and compelling passage through a complicated sequence of events...a useful addition to the literature."

--CHOICE

"Ficken's polished, engaging prose makes for fascinating reading."

--Oregon Historical Quarterly

"This book helps American readers better understand their lovely neighbor to the north, that we share more than we differ."

--East Oregonian

"This is a detailed, scholarly work with extensive notes, sources and index."

--Associated Press