Background History
- Learn about gold rush

     The Klondike Gold Rush took place in and around Dawson City, Yukon back from 1896 to 1898.
     People came from all over Canada and the United States expecting to make it rich from the gold-soaked region.
     Unfortunately for these travelers, the small amounts of gold that did exist in the Yukon were hardly worth the harsh weather and rough trails that blocked their paths.

     Over 100,000 people set out to join the rush but only 30,000-40,000 people actually made it as far as Dawson City.
     Even fewer people were able to make money in the gold mines there.
     In an attempt to keep order, the Canadian Government had the Northwest Mounted Police keep a close watch on the gold mines.

     The Mounted Police did not allow for anyone to bring guns into the Yukon.
     They also required that everyone who entered Canada must bring enough food to survive for one year.
     Being forced to carry such amounts of food made the trip more difficult but was necessary since many people foolishly expected grocery stores in Dawson City.

     Once people reached the Yukon, yet another setback awaited them.
     In the northern parts of the world, it is normal for the sun to disappear for weeks during the winter months.
     Also, the lakes and rivers freeze over, making it impossible to pan for gold.
     Many workers spent their days deep within the mines, sending up pails of dirt in a bucket.

     As the weather grew warmer, another surprise awaited the workers.
     Now, instead of complete darkness, they got complete light.
     Days grew longer and longer until it seemed as though the sun would never leave.
     Once the rivers thawed, everyone changed jobs, panning for gold day and night.

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