In the spring of 1862, a group of 140 people gathered at Fort Garry, now known as Winnipeg, ready to take on a journey that would change their lives, and the future of British Columbia. Their goal was to reach the Cariboo gold fields, travelling entirely overland across the Canadian Prairies and through the Rocky Mountains.

They packed Red River carts with food and supplies and set out in June. By late July, they had only made it as far as Edmonton, and their provisions were nearly gone. Still, the group pressed on, determined to reach the promise of gold and a better life.

By late August, they arrived at Tête Jaune Cache, where the group split in two. Some chose the established route down the Fraser River toward Barkerville. The others, risking the unknown, built makeshift log rafts and launched themselves down the North Thompson River.

In October 1862, that second group arrived in the area now known as Kamloops. They would go on to form the foundation of the growing settlement and become an important part of its early community.

The statue that stands today commemorates this journey and specifically honours Catherine and Augustus Schubert and one of their children. Remarkably, Catherine gave birth to her fourth child the day after arriving in Kamloops. Schubert Drive is named after their family, a lasting reminder of the courage and resilience of the Overlanders of 1862.

More information about this site will be added as research continues. If you have questions, comments, or stories to share, feel free to contact the Kamloops Museum and Archives at [email protected] or call 250-828-3576. Our team will make sure your message gets to the right place.