Fort Nelson, British Columbia
Fort Nelson was established first as a Hudson Bay Trading Post in 1805 and named after Admiral Nelson of the British Navy. Fort Nelson remained a small outpost until the US Army arrived in early 1942. They named Fort Nelson, “Zero”, because on their maps Fort Nelson was the beginning of two very important roads: the Alcan leading to Delta Junction, Alaska and the other to Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories (now called the Liard Highway, part of the Deh Cho Route). The Fort Simpson, Mackenzie River Route was an alternate highway built in the event of Japanese attack on the Alaska Highway.
When the troops heading south met the troops heading north, at Contact Creek on September 24, 1942, it marked the completion of the Highway between Dawson Creek and Whitehorse. It was only after the opening of the Highway that Dawson Creek was officially named Mile 0, as it was the Highway’s southernmost point.
Fort Nelson is a major transportation hub in the north. There is regular scheduled air service, it is the northern railhead of CN Rail, and the Alaska Highway doubles as main street.
When the troops heading south met the troops heading north, at Contact Creek on September 24, 1942, it marked the completion of the Highway between Dawson Creek and Whitehorse. It was only after the opening of the Highway that Dawson Creek was officially named Mile 0, as it was the Highway’s southernmost point.
Fort Nelson is a major transportation hub in the north. There is regular scheduled air service, it is the northern railhead of CN Rail, and the Alaska Highway doubles as main street.
Alaska Highway Celebration Events
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Alaska Highway Road Show |
75th Art Exhibit with Dawn GullacksonFeaturing works with historical content
May-Sept 2017 10:00am-7:00pm Fort Nelson Museum. For Info Contact: 250-774-3536 |
Book Reading with Author Lawrence HillMay 11th, 2017 7:00pm
Phoenix Theatre For Info Contact: 250-774-2241 HWY Views - Summit Runnit |
75th CD Release with Live PerformancesMay 5th-7th 2017 - Times Vary
Fort Nelson Trade Show For Info Contact: Fort Nelson Visitor Centre 250-774-6400 |
June 11th 2017 - All Day
Summit Mountain For Info Contact: Fort Nelson Visitor Centre 250-774-6400 |
