Historical Sites & Attractions Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church Fort St. James boasts one of the oldest churches in BC, it was built here in 1873, by Father George Blanchet. Father Morice was priest here from 1885 to 1904. Father Morices cabin where he printed out Carrier Prayer Books and newspapers can still be seen behind the church. The church was still in use until 1951. Mass is held on Saturday evenings during the summer months. The church is located on Lakeshore Drive. A Few hundred yards past the church is the graveyard where headstones can be seen written in the Carrier syllabics developed by Father Morice. Visitors are reminded that this graveyard is consecrated ground, still in use, and to please conduct themselves respectfully. Junkers W34 Float Plane The German Junker W34 Float Plane was used by bush pilots in the Fort St. James area from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. The areas the bush pilots flew into were uncharted and they survived by their wits and bravery. The Junker plane became known as the workhorse of the north, the plane was also significant in WWll. Located at Cottonwood Park is a 1/3 scale model of the German Junkers W34 Float Plane. Tom Creek Steam Shovel The Tom Creek Steam shovel has been preserved as a tribute to the pioneer families who contributed to the growth and development of our region during the first half of this century. The Tom Creek steam shovel was brought to the area in the mid 1930’s by Thomas A. Kelley. It traveled under its own steam to Fort St. James, then barge by “Grandpa” David Hoy to Takla Landing, then a short 19 miles to Tom Creek. It was rediscovered in 1991. The first trip to locate and assess the condition of the shovel was carried out with the support of Northern Mountain Helicopter April 23, 1993. First rescue attempt, July 23,24, 25 1993. Final trip-Not without its challenges this trip was a success and the team arrived complete with police escort to the District works yard at Fort St. James on August 29 th 1994. Russ Baker Memorial This memorial was erected in honor of Frank Russell “Russ” Baker. He was one of the first bush pilots in the Fort St. James area in the 1930’s. After World War II Russ Baker started Central BC Airways for $25, which became Pacific Western Airlines, and today is known as Canadian Airlines International Ltd. Russ Baker was only 48 years old when he died of a heart attack on November 15 th, 1958. First Nations Pictographs These paintings on the cliffs of Stuart Lake date back to the past century. There are twenty-one sites of Native pictographs, between Stuart Lake and Pinchi Bay. The paintings depict animals, fish and birds as well as symbols depicting guardian spirits and images received in dreams. The paint used for drawing was a vegetable based vermilion which weathers quickly, archaeologists believe the paints do not date from much before the last century. Fort St. James National Historic Site Simon Fraser founded North West Company’s Fort in 1806; it was called the Stuart Lake Post until the name was changed by the Hudson’s Bay Company to Fort St. James. The fully restored Hudson’s Bay Company Post commemorates the partnership between the fur traders and First Nations from 1806 to 1952. Step back in time into one of the largest group of original wooden buildings representing the fur trade in Canada, and meet costumed interpreters working in the gardens and buildings. The Mountie The mountie was carved in 1992 at the Vancouver PNE in August. The mountie represented an image that people around the world think of when they think of Canada. Making the sculpture a photo opportunity to visitors. The Logger The logger was carved in 1993 at Grouse Mountain resort, this sculpture depicts the importance of forestry to nearly every community in British Columbia. The Prospector The prospector was carved in two places in 1994, it started during the Forestry Expo in Prince George and later moved to Fort St. James where it was finished in front of the RCMP station. This sculpture represents the importance of Mining Industry in British Columbia Hudson's Bay Cemetery The Hudson's Bay cemetery is the oldest remnant of the early fur trading in Fort St. James. Not much is known about its history & content, or even when the first person was buried here. However it stills tells of a life lived here in Fort St. James. The graveyard is on Stuart Drive Beside the Anglican Church.