Chinese Camp Ovens in Lillooet BC, have been an interest for me, since I always seen these piles of rocks where I went for my daily walk each day. I had to go and find out why there were so many pretty piles of these rocks. They looked like river rock too, because they were all smooth surface rocks.
River rocks are not found up in town, and this was a ways away from the Fraser River also. It was no hop skip and a jump away, more of a 10 minute drive away. So that got me thinking what are they doing up here.
Back then I believe the Fraser River was pretty high up before, it sure is alot lower now. Being that it is at least a 10 minute drive to the river or more.
So remember that there were prospectors that came with the Gold Rush. The Chinese miners worked the creeks. hillsides and river valleys of the area. When they left they left little reminders of what they did and how they worked.
I found out that they had Chinese Camp Ovens in Lillooet BC that were built into the ground close to the former mining areas. The earth ovens are still around, most are buried in the ground, since this was so long ago. But they are still around and can be seen, this shows how they survived and ate their food around that time in history.
This is the most over looked historical feature that many don’t ask about. Why we have these pretty piles of rocks around Lillooet.
Chinese Miners In BC’ Gold Rush
The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1850’s, many thousands of miners flooded to British Columbia looking for opportunity. When the early miners moved on, the Chinese workers stayed behind. They had reworked the abandoned claims and they also had mined the difficult terrain that many others didn’t mine.
In the area of Lillooet, Chinese miners became the important part of the local mining communities. History says that thousands of Chinese miners worked the nearby creeks and camps throughout the late 1800’s. This helped to sustain mining activity long after the Gold Rush excitement faded.
Even though it seemed like they were not welcome, and they worked even when it was tough. Chinese miners built camps, and made a support system and adapted to where they were living. They did all they could to survive here, and that meant making the Chinese camp ovens in Lillooet BC.
What are the Chinese Camp Ovens?
A Chinese Camp Ovens in Lillooet BC are earth-built structures that were used in mining camps in the Gold Rush era.
The ovens are usually:
- Dug into the ground, and below the surface
- Lined with clay and rocks
- Made to hold heat for long periods of time
- These were used to slow cook meals for groups of workers
This way of cooking allowed the workers to prep food, and have it cooking when they were working. This also conserved fuel and helped to keeep warm during winter months.
The camp ovens were very important for daily life and they brought some of their cooking practices here to British Columbia. So their way of cooking was done here, and they adjusted to living here. So looking at these made me wonder how it was for them to live here. And how they adjusted and made this Lillooet area there home.
Why Does this Kind of History Matter
I believe that the Chinese miners were not very known for living here in British Columbia. Only reason why I looked for something, was from the rock piles I saw in town of Lillooet BC. And we also have a kind of presentation of Chinese Monument, just on the edge of Lillooet. I think that is out on Hwy 99.
You can also find more in Lillooet BC Travel Guide, and see more things that Lillooet has to offer.
Yet, when they were here. They were a good part of the history here, and all that that came along with the Gold Rush. Why the town and roads were made. They were here for that part too and they mined after the others left. I think that is important too.
Thik the only way you really know others were here, was thru seeing these camp ovens. They were not just piles of rocks.
This reminds others that:
- Many others came when the Gold Rush came
- Chinese workers helped by supporting local economy
- Many things here were built with the help of many others
- Any important history can be seen at the local Museum in Lillooet BC. And even other museums also.
So when you walk around Lillooet BC, just know that many others have walked these hills before you. If you think way back before the roads were even made. Way before cars were around and they just had horses and walk everywhere. Cause roads were not made, and you would need to walk everywhere.
When in Lillooet
Travelers that are just going out and around here may discover something along the way.
What you may see or find:
- Chinese camp oven- rock piles
- Older dirt roads
- Abandoned roads going down to the river
- Old falling apart houses
- Old fish camps by the Fraser River.
When you see these areas, by mindful.
- Leave the rock piles alone.
- Admire an old fish camp( don’t damage it)
- Respect it and leave as found. Many after you may want to see what you just seen. Preserving it for future generations to come.
Along with these cool findings is more stories to be told. And it is part of the history and the scenery we have here.
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