Yukon River, Km. 385

Five Fingers Coal Mine

Photo from Five Fingers Coal Mine

In 1887, geologist G. M. Dawson found seams of coal here, part of a large deposit extending to Carmacks. C. J. Miller started the first mine at this site and sold out to the Five Fingers Coal Co. in 1903. At that time, the coal was used for refuelling sternwheelers and heating residences. A tramway carried the coal from the shafts to a wharf where it was loaded on to steamers. In 1908, this excavation was abandoned for the more productive Tantalus Butte coal mine. The original workings, located mostly under the river, have filled with water and collapsed.

Next Yukon Crossing

Previous Cyr’s Dredge