The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Thursday, 20th September 2007 (1743 views)

The economic boom afforded by the gold rush helped foster Seattle's prosperity, a new report suggests.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, money from the gold rush helped the city develop crucial infrastructure such as water, electrical and sewer systems.

These developments were crucial to Mayor William Hickman Moore's annexation of six neighbouring communities, the report claims.

Seattle historian Alan Stein told the publication that this vital economic boost enabled the city to develop social welfare initiatives.

"There was even enough money in Seattle for people to realize they needed to start spending on society's problems," he said.

One such initiative was reportedly the Home of the Good Shepherd in Wallingford, which was opened in 1907 and offered education to orphaned young girls until its closure in 1973.

The role which Seattle played in the gold rush is illustrated at the Seattle branch of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

 

« Back to Gold News stories