1850-1900

1850s

European prospectors take coal samples from Xaana Kaahlii Skidegate Inlet, west of Tllgaduu GawGa Kagan Bay and around Yaaguun Gándlee Yakoun River. 

Kerosene, distilled from coal, starts replacing whale oil lamps for lighting in the 1850s. 

1870

After five years of operation in Xaana Kaahlii, the Queen Charlotte Coal Company manages to ship one partial load of coal after implementing measures to stop Haida youth from taking wild midnight roller-coaster rides in empty coal-cars down the rickety tramtracks. 

1878

Geologist George M. Dawson reports hearing of seeps of “bitumen” on islands near T’aanuu. Dawson’s work greatly contributes to colonial resource extraction and settlement. 

1898

The first Hydroelectric plant in the colonial state of British Columbia (BC) is built near Micdolly Victoria. 

In the later part of the 1800s, oil is drilled for the first time and kerosene distilled from petroleum starts to replace coal oil.