Winter Vista of Mount Fisher

This beautiful winter vista reminds us that February will mark the 151st anniversary of American prospector Jack Fisher and his group of men coming to Wild Horse Creek which lies at the foot of Mount Fisher, near Fort Steele.

They were on their way to Findlay Creek but heavy snows prevented them from reaching much further north than the mouth of the St. Mary's River.

Their exploits are legendary with the discovery of the rich gold stream, which they eventually named Wild Horse Creek.  By the turn of the century it was reported that they and those who followed them had taken over $15 million worth of gold from the small, roiling mountain stream.

The gold strike on Wild Horse Creek was short lived but prompted the territorial government of the day to provide access to the southeast corner of the province.

Thus a contract was let to Edgar Dewdney and his foreman William Fernie to extend and complete the Dewdney Trail which today's Highway #3 closely follows across the southern part of British Columbia.

To read the story of the Wild Horse gold rush pick up a copy of the historical novel Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak and the new book, Fisher Peak Chronicles at your local bookseller.