How was life in Klondike?
The massive arrival of prospectors drove the development of boom towns along the routes of the stampede, with Dawson City in the Klondike region the largest. The new towns were crowded, which was often chaotic and many disappeared just as soon as they came. Most stampeders were men but women also travelled to the region, mostly as the wife of a prospector. Some women entertained in gambling and dance halls built by business men and women who were encouraged by the excessive spending of successful miners.
Dawson remained almost lawful, protected by the Canadian NWMP, which meant that gambling and prostitution were accepted while robbery and murder were kept low. In comparison, especially with the port of Skagway under US jurisdiction in Southeast Alaska became infamous for its criminal underworld. The extreme climate and remoteness of the region in general meant that supplies and communication with the outside world including news and mail were scarce.
Dawson remained almost lawful, protected by the Canadian NWMP, which meant that gambling and prostitution were accepted while robbery and murder were kept low. In comparison, especially with the port of Skagway under US jurisdiction in Southeast Alaska became infamous for its criminal underworld. The extreme climate and remoteness of the region in general meant that supplies and communication with the outside world including news and mail were scarce.