Klondyke Nuggets by Joseph Ladue ebook

Prior to August 24, 1896, this remote section of the country, Klondyke (Klondyike) had never been heard of. It was on this day that a man named Henderson discovered the first gold.

According to his family history record, Joseph Ladue had been a miner and trader in the Yukon region since 1882. Upon hearing the discovery of gold on Bonanza Creek, which is at the confluence of the Yukon and Klondike River, he went to the region and stamped his presence by laying out a 160 acre townsite, and registered his application with the North West Mounted Police. Upon his return, he constructed the first cabin at the site. He subsequently named the site as Dawson City, in honor of Dr. George M. Dawson, the Director of the Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada then.

Meanwhile, stories about the richness of the Alaska/Yukon gold fields had been appearing in newspapers for months, the Klondike Gold Rush began in earnest following the arrival of the steamboat Excelsior at San Francisco on July 14th, 1897, and the Portland at Seattle on July 17th, almost one year after the first discovery by Henderson.

Suddenly tens of thousands of people wanted information about the region and how to get there. To fulfil that need, first edition of a 92-page "Klondyke Nuggets", written by Joseph Ladue, and was published in September 1897. It was heavily advertised, and a full 224-page "Klondyke Facts" was completed a few weeks later.

The Klondyke Nuggets writen by Joseph Francis Ladue is a handbook to be used as a guide for newbie miners, those who were willing to risk their lives in search of gold. He detailed a list of provisions that are required for a year in the rough wilderness of the Northern area that emcompass Alaska and Canada. It is an instructive book about the dangers that are involved in trying to reach Klondyke in their search for wealth. He explained the living, health, and working conditions for the men that are lucky enough to reach Klondyke.

He gave advice regarding the preparation of the new comers’ outfit, advising them against buying the outfit until they arrived. As for their shoes, the boots are generally made by the coast Indians and are of different varieties. The water boot is made of seal and walrus. Trousers are generally made from Siberian fawn skins and the skin of the marmot or the ground squirrel. Good warm flannels are important. Everything in the way of underwear is made of flannel.

The book gives excellent descriptions of the terrain of the land and the different waterways by including Surveyor's reports. There are many lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. It is a fine book denoting a past land mass and people rushing to mine gold.

Enjoy!