West Dawson in Unorganized Yukon, Yukon — The Northern Territories (North America)

West Dawson

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

1. West Dawson Marker

Inscription. West Dawson was settled c. 1899 by people wanting to avoid overcrowding and typhoid outbreaks in Dawson. Farms also became established and later, as mining in the Sixtymile area increased, a link with Dawson became necessary. In 1902 a ferry guided by a cable began operating. This cable was supported on the opposite bank by a 37 metre tower which provided clearance for the riverboats.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 64° 4.3′ N, 139° 26.222′ W. Marker is in West Dawson, Yukon, in Unorganized Yukon. It is on Top of the World Highway. This marker is located near the west-side ferry landing on the Top of the World Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Dawson YT Y0B 0A3, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Canadian North.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Arctic,

in the Western Hemisphere,

and in the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby

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markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yukon Saw Mill Office Historic Site (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); The B.Y.N. Co. Ticket Office / La billettetereie de la compagnie B.Y.N. (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Palace Grand Theatre/Le théâtre Grand Palace (approx. one kilometer away); Post Office / Le bureau de poste (approx. one kilometer away); Madame Tremblay’s Store / Le magasin de Madame Tremblay (approx. one kilometer away); Bank of British North America / La Bank of British North America (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); Dawson Daily News (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); Tribute to the Miner (approx. 1.1 kilometers away).

Regarding West Dawson. West Dawson is the location of the Paddlewheel Graveyard. A half dozen paddlewheel steamboats were pulled ashore there in hopes of their future use, but their time had past. They were left to rot and collapse, and the forest is slowly encroached on them. The Paddlewheel graveyard may be accessed by walking to the end of Yukon Government Campground at West Dawson, then making one's way to the Yukon River and walking downstream along the river bank.

Dawson City from West Dawson image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

2. Dawson City from West Dawson

Distance, about 1/2 mile.

Additional keywords. Klondike Gold Rush

The Yukon River ferry at West Dawson. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010

3. The Yukon River ferry at West Dawson.

The cable ferry is no longer in use.

The Lytton Cable Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, circa 2007

4. The Lytton Cable Ferry

"This is a "reaction" ferry which crosses the Fraser River just north of Lytton on Highway 12. There is a cable above the water which guides the ferry across rudders adjusted to benefit from the current. There are no motors and it runs 365 days a year, provided there are no ice floes or debris coming down the river." Lytton Ferry postcard.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #1. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

5. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #1.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #2. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

6. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #2.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #3. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

7. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #3.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #4. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

8. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #4.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #5. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

9. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #5.

The Paddlewheel Graveyard #6. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

10. The Paddlewheel Graveyard #6.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,699 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 18, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.