A section of the Dewdney Trail circa 1900.
Lower end of Dewdney Trail bridge, circa 1900
A group of people hiking on the Dewdney trail, 3 miles from Rossland, Dominion Day - July 1, 1898.
Couple on the Dewdney Trail between Rossland and Trail, BC.
July 1900
Dewdney Trail
Historical Name: Dewdney Trail
Common Name: Dewdney Trail
Location: Passes through the south east corner of Rossland
Date of Construction: 1865
Edgar Dewdney oversaw the trail's construction in 1860 on behalf of the governor of the British Colony of British Columbia, prior to joining Canadian Confederation in 1871. In 1865, the trail reached the Kootenays.
The Dewdney Trail was used by prospectors to access the rich ore deposits of the Rossland Range. The 720 kilometre-long trail connected the small towns and mining camps that sprung up during the gold rush era.
Prospectors Joe Morris and Joe Bourgeois staked the first five claims on Rossland’s Red Mountain after following the Dewdney Trail to the area. Their claims began Rossland’s Mining era!
Much of the trail has now been converted to the Crowsnest Highway. The portion between Christina Lake and Rossland is one of the last sections of the trail still operating, though only as a recreational trail.
2339.0053: Dewdney Trail in BC
Couple on Dewdney Trail between Rossland and Trail, July 1900.
For More Information:
Canada’s Historic Places - Dewdney Trail
Rossland Heritage Commission - Sites (see Dewdney Trail)
Virtual Museums of Canada - Nelson Touchstones - The Dewdney Trail Virtual Museum
Contribute your own memories/experiences of the Dewdney Trail:
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