Whitehorse was originally a stopping point and makeshift transportation spot in 1898 for miners in the Gold Rush. Then, in 1900 it became established as an official settlement. In 1898, the stampeders named Whitehorse after the rapids of the Yukon River that resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses.
How has it changed overtime?
First, it was a First Nations campsite. Then, in 1958, they built the Whitehorse hydro-electric dam, which replaced the Whitehorse rapids. In 1897, two entrepreneurs built tramways on both sides of the river. They also built a roadhouse and saloon for the Gold Rush. In 1942 the American army built the Alaskan highway. Whitehorse became important for communications and transportation. In 1953, Whitehorse became the capital of the Yukon. The city now has many events and attractions.
How has it changed overtime?
First, it was a First Nations campsite. Then, in 1958, they built the Whitehorse hydro-electric dam, which replaced the Whitehorse rapids. In 1897, two entrepreneurs built tramways on both sides of the river. They also built a roadhouse and saloon for the Gold Rush. In 1942 the American army built the Alaskan highway. Whitehorse became important for communications and transportation. In 1953, Whitehorse became the capital of the Yukon. The city now has many events and attractions.
What key connections exist between this city and other cities/countries?
Whitehorse has a world market for minerals in the mining industry.
The fur trade continues to be harvested and exported. Agriculture was significant during the Gold Rush, but slowed down due to high costs, low profits, bad soil, and improved transportation that lowered the price of agricultural imports. The Yukon has potential oil and gas resources with opportunities to develop hydroelectric power, although the weather does not make this easy.
Commercial production of Yukon's renewable resources in forestry, agriculture, fishing, trapping, and sport hunting has increased recently.