3-011-692 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches from British Columbia: Lilloett, on the Fraser River, 1864. '...a bird's-eye view, of the little town of Lilloett, situated on the right bank of the Fraser River, 212 miles from the port and capital, New Westminster. It is about half way to the Cariboo gold-diggings; and, as it is one of the best positions for inland traffic, many of the Douglas merchants keep stores here to supply the upper country. The neighbouring banks of the river have during the last three years proved rich in gold, being in many instances more remunerative to the worker than the mines of Cariboo. One long street constitutes the town...Lilloett - being located in a fine, open country, surrounded by delightful scenery - has a very pleasing appearance. At present it is the terminus for the stages. A waggon-road, commencing on the opposite side of the river, will soon be completed to the upper country, when the accommodation for the traveller will be very greatly extended, and the journey to the mines will become a pleasure-trip. The Fraser River flows by here with great rapidity, and the want of a bridge is greatly felt, as the only method, up to the present time, for conveying passengers and goods across is by boats, while cattle and horses have to swim across'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.