August 01, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Has it really been 70 years since the Alaska Highway was built? I guess it must be since a celebration for the 70th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway is taking place in Fort St. John today. The Western Command Military Vehicle Historical Society are driving the entire Alaska Highway in historic military vehicles! The convoy expects their trip to take the whole month of August with several planned stops in several communities between Dawson Creek (Mile 0) and Fairbanks, Alaska to show off all of their authentic and classic vehicles. Since the military vehicles were on display for several hours this afternoon at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, I dropped by to see the various vehicles that contributed to various military efforts. After talking to a few people, I was amazed that the vehicles I was seeing with my own eyes assisted in the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and even World War II. I could feel the pride and passion the individual vehicle owner’s had for their motorized piece of history, the military, and for their country. There we many Fort St. John residents taking pictures, asking questions, and taking a temporary seat while pretending to drive an old military vehicle. The owners of the vehicles put in the extra effort while dressing in army green uniforms. They were also very friendly and chatty, which allowed me to ask many questions and learn about their convoy even more. This evening, a banquet complete with 1940’s era music is being put on at the Fort St. John Legion to conclude today’s celebrations. If you’re located along the Alaska Highway, be on the lookout for the Western Command Military Vehicle Convoy! Make sure you find out when and where the group will be stopping by in your community and help celebrate the Alaska Highway’s 70th Anniversary.
August 05, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Historic & Heritage Sites
Fort St.
John recently unveiled 29
new heritage panels throughout their downtown and are now calling it the
“Pioneer Pathway”. It’s great! The bright orange panels tell the stories of
the early pioneers and interesting tales about how the city grew in to what it
is today.
Most of the panels have really
cool black and white photographs on them to show you what the old buildings
look like. Many of the panels are right
downtown, which is great – you can shop at the same time or duck in to a
restaurant when you need a break.
July 31, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
The Kiskatinaw
River Bridge
is the last remaining curved wooden bridge on the Alaska
Highway. But it has aged well. I stumbled upon this rare, scenic find
just off of the new section of the Alaska Highway.
The slight detour is well worth it for the history and the beauty of the old
bridge. There is also a Provincial
Park which we found down
below the bridge, it was the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and a dip in the
Kiskatinaw River.
July 31, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
Fort St. John
is located along the well-known
Alaska Highway.
Yesterday, I took advantage of the nice weather and went to learn a little
bit more about the construction of the
Alaska Highway.
According to the monument at
Charlie
Lake and some
literature, I found out that the Highway was built in only 8 months and 12
days! A shocking comparison to current construction follies! The monument
was erected in 2008 in memory of twelve American soldiers who lost their
lives while floating construction equipment across
Charlie Lake
on a pontoon barge. Not only does the monument hold substantial value to
the families of those soldiers, it is also a gorgeous viewpoint. This
visit to the
Charlie Lake Monument
has sparked my interest in the history of the
Alaska
Highway! I think I will go to the Alaska Highway House soon
to learn more!