Atlin Historical Society

10/13/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yshZ2s1XQbg

One of history's strangest unsolved mysteries. A gold rush town re...

07/29/2026

There is a small community in northern British Columbia that is only accessible by road from the Yukon. Gold seekers discovered Atlin in 1898 as a result of the Klondike Gold Rush.
The next woman we are featuring was raised there and had quite an interesting upbringing. Dorothy Matson, like so many other remarkable women that we have featured, acquired many skills starting from a young age.

Her first job was working in the hardware store for a dollar a day. When she finished her shift at the store, she would then go to her next job cooking in the family mining camp. On July 1st when she was sixteen years old, Dorothy, along with 2 other young women, Ann Bear and Mary Gordie, fundraised ten thousand dollars. Dorothy won that year becoming the Victory Queen.

During her life, she went from carrying water up from the lake each day to turning the tap in her own home. She saw so many changes in her lifetime. She raised a family while working in a grocery store and a mining camp to eventually becoming the first lady of the Yukon as the wife of the Commissioner of the Yukon, Jim Smith. Dorothy Matson Smith was also known for her talent in quilting, needlepoint and embroidery. To read more about this incredible woman, please visit our Trailblazers kiosk at Dorothy (Matson) Smith

04/28/2026

A link to our Spring newsletter has been added to our website. check it out :-)...thank-you Rob for adding this in!

Celebrate Atlin’s History, Enrich Tomorrow Become a Member Welcome to the Atlin Historical Society TARAHNE TEA In early July the AHS holds the Tarahne Tea, a very popular fund-raiser for the MV Tarahne. For more information, click on the large photo at right. RENTALSThe M.V. Tarahne and the Globe ...

04/09/2026

Checkout our website at link below. Thank-you to Carolyn Moore and Rob & Tracy Sullivan for volunteering their time to update and maintain!

Celebrate Atlin’s History, Enrich Tomorrow Become a Member Welcome to the Atlin Historical Society TARAHNE TEA In early July the AHS holds the Tarahne Tea, a very popular fund-raiser for the MV Tarahne. For more information, click on the large photo at right. RENTALSThe M.V. Tarahne and the Globe ...

04/08/2026

A 1930s Atlin Street Scene....
This photo was sent to George Johnston from an Andrew James probably during the '30s. The back reads: "George Johnson (sic) Good Bye from your friend A E James." Below this message are some faded squiggles that may be the photos exact date.
Later this spring, we'll be using our deciphering skills, and squinty eyes, to figure it out!
Also... anyone know A.E. James?
(Photo Source: GJM Archives)

03/07/2026

A fascinating ice arch that was formed by the Llewellyn Glacier which is located in the remote northwest corner of BC on the border with Alaska. The photo was taken in 1919.

BC Archives.

02/26/2026

Cabin number 8 on the Yukon Telegraph Line/Trail.
Telegrapher Charlie Janze and lineman Jim Christie were stationed here. Hazelton to cabin eight is 240 km (150) miles.

Cabin 8 was one of the main numbered 1 to 9 log cabins that were built between Hazelton and Telegraph Creek between 1897-1901. The route ran from Quesnel to Atlin then on to Dawson City. Covering exceptionally difficult terrain. Including mountains, rivers, and dense forest. It utilized parts of an older failed 1860s Collins Overland Telegraph route.

The line was urgently constructed to provide essential communication for government officials, police, and the public during the Klondike Gold Rush. The trail relied heavily on existing First Nations hunting and trade routes. With famous figures like Simon Peter Gunanoot who worked on constructing the line and delivering provisions.

This 1,900-mile route served as a critical 113-year communication link, with parts of the trail still existing as a historic rugged recreational route today.
Circa 1901
Archives Canada