McGowan's War

by Donald Hauka

Could a horde of American miners have delivered British Columbia into the hands of the United States in 1859? In "McGowan's War," Donald J. Hauka argues that the new colony was a rifle shot away from war and annexation during the fateful winter of 1859, when the British Crown could barely control 30,000 politically divided American miners camped the length and breadth of the Fraser River. Enter Ned McGowan, a San Francisco judge with a questionable past and his own plans to take over the territory. "McGowan's War" is a rollicking tale of corruption, greed, incompetence and company politics that just happens to be true. It is a must-read for political junkies, historical buffs, and anyone who has ever wondered why BC politics are so odd.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[DipShitBookClub · Rating 3 out of 5]

British colonialism is so embarrassing. The sole qualification for every high commission in the colony of British Columbia was having a dope enough wig.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly entertaining and readable account of the early days of British Columbia, Canada. The Fraser River gold rush in 1858 brought in an assorted collection of fortune seekers, misfits and exiles. These included a group of political rivals expelled from San Francisco, amongst them McGowan who settled in Hills Bar. McGowan rivals congregated in Fort Yale where a very foolish, arrogant and disreputable great great grand-uncle of mine Whannell was appointed JP. Following a confrontation of comedic proportions British justice was enforced, the problems sorted and the newly formed territory remained firmly in 'British' (Canadian) hands.

The individual characters are well drawn and accurately depicted. They are all there, villains and heroes alike - Ned McGown, James Douglas, Richard Hicks, Begbie and Peter Brunton Whannell and George Perrier. Hauka has done some detailed research.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because I'd heard a song based on this story ("Ned McGowan's War," Tiller's Folly) years ago and had always wanted to know more about it. I got this book and, honestly, expected it to be kind of dry and scholarly.

I'm sure it's scholarly, but this book? Is storytelling at its finest. I loved it. If you want a great story about a bunch of off-the-wall characters, even if you couldn't tell British Columbian history from a hole in the ground, you should read this.