In the mid to late 1800sCalifornia and then Canada's Yukon and Alaska experienced periods of gold rush fever. Many individuals had gold fever in their veins escaping poverty, hopelessness, and some perhaps a hostile community and surroundings. Others looked forward to the adventure, to see and experience new surroundings and look for new opportunities.

Of the thousands of stampeders from all parts of North America and countless other countries, there were thousands who became disenchanted and succumbed to the harsh conditions and failure to discover anything that resembled wealth. Many that didn't perish in the attempt, gave up and settled along the gold trails. Others continued to struggle and eventually retreated to bars and brothels where alcohol and debauchery were easier to find than gold.

A few had different views and goals and stopped to admire the scenery and look at the other possibilities. There was other treasure besides simply gold.