3rd Avenue Complex
Le complexe de la 3e avenue
[English]
In Dawson City’s history, permafrost ranks second only to fire as the bane of buildings. These three structures, dating from 1901, illustrate what can happen when heated buildings are placed on frozen ground; the frost melts, mixing water with the soil to form a very fluid muck into which the different footings settle at different rates. No restoration measures have been taken with these buildings so that visitors may see history as it naturally unfolds.
[French]
Dans l’histoire de Dawson City, le pergélisol est le deuxième fléau, après de feu, qui endommage les bâtiments. Ces trois structures, qui remontent à 1901, illustrent bien ce qui peut arriver lorsque des immeubles chauffés sont installés sur un sol gelé; la glace fond et l’eau se mêle au sol pour former une boue très liquide dans laquelle les semelles de fondations s’enfoncent à des rythmes différents. Ces immeubles ne font l’objet d’aucume restauration. Les visiteurs peuvent ainsi suivre le cours naturel de l’histoire.
Photo: Local Yukon artist, Jim Robb’s view of building influenced by permafrost.
Le immeubles touchés par le pergélisol, vus par l’artiste yukonnais, Jim Robb.
Erected by Parks Canada/Parcs Canada.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters
Location. 64° 3.575′ N, 139° 26.134′ W. Marker is in Dawson City, Yukon. Marker is on Third Avenue. This marker is located on Third Avenue between Princess and Harper Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dawson City YT Y0B 1G0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Billy Bigg’s Blacksmith Shop (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Yukon Hotel (about 120 meters away); Harrington’s Store (about 150 meters away); St. Andrew’s Church and Manse (about 180 meters away); Ruby’s Place/La maison de Ruby (about 180 meters away); K.T.M. Company (about 210 meters away); Tribute to the Miner (about 210 meters away); Macaulay’s Residence (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dawson City.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 750 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.