Near 134 Mile House, north of Clinton
In the 1860s the fabulous Cariboo gold fields were a lure to thousands. Miners, traders and adventurers, many afoot, some with wheelbarrows, shared the pioneer route with mule trains, plodding oxen, freight wagons, and swaying stage coaches. Havens for man and beast were road houses and stables ever 12-14 miles along the way.
Prior to the Cariboo Wagon Road, miners made their way to the goldfields on foot. For even the most experienced the journey was very difficult and dangerous. Many lives were lost as they battled their way through canyons, rapids, forest deadfalls and swamps. Many turned back.
Governor Douglas ordered construction of the Cariboo Wagon Road in 1861, and by 1863 it was completed to Soda Creek where a sternwheeler, the Enterprise, serviced traffic to Quesnel. By 1865 the road reached Barkerville.
Mule trains consisting of up to 48 animals packed freight from Yale to Quesnel. They averaged about 15 miles each day and could complete three round trips per season. Trundle-barrows also appeared. These vehicles run by two men consisted of a large wheel in the center of the barrow with handles. Coordination, compatibility and strength were required on the part of both operators in order to reach maximum mileage each day. Teams of oxen were also employed to haul heavy loads.
For a brief period, camels were introduced, but for several reasons, particularly their soft hoofs, the venture failed. Of all freight transportation methods, horse drawn wagons were the best. Horses were faster and more reliable, and they were the last to leave the road in light of more advanced equipment.
