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The Cariboo Wagon Road, built from 1861 to 1863, was the first road capable of making freight economical to transport to the interior of British Columbia from the coast. A distribution point was needed, and Lytton's location made it a natural choice.2
The Cariboo Wagon Road presented many challenges to the engineers tasked with building it.The narrow Fraser Canyon left little space for a road, and bridges, cribbing and cut-banks were common.
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The Yale Lytton road in 1865.1865
Jackass Mountain, south of Lytton, BC
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'China Bar bluff'29 June 1872
China Bar, south of Boston Bar in the Fraser Canyon
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This sketch illustrates the incredible work necessary to build the Cariboo Wagon Road.9 March 1872
Near Hell's Gate on the Fraser River
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Freight was moved by large, heavy wagons. Both oxen and horse teams were used to pull the wagons, and road houses were built at regular intervals to allow team changes and overnight stays.7
A freight team on the Cariboo Wagon Road.1880
Near Lytton, BC
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A preserved freight wagon used to transport goods along the Cariboo Wagon Road.6 July 2004
Ashcroft, BC
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The old Cariboo Wagon Road and a few of the old road houses are still visible along the highway.10
Remnant of the Cariboo Wagon Road just outside of Lytton with Highway 1 visible to the right.6 July 2004
At Jade Springs near Lytton
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The Alexandra Lodge.23 September 2004
Taken at Alexandra, on Highway 1
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As a major stopping point and a freight distribution center, Lytton boomed during the wagon days.13
Freight team in front of the Lytton Hotel, ca 1912.1912
Lytton, BC
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Lytton Sports Day 1913.1913
Lytton, BC
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