The Takhini Posts
Many interesting things hide in Yukon forests. One of these is the series of three Takhini Posts. These were living trees that were left rooted in the ground and cut off less than 2 m from the surface. They have squared off sides that slope to a point on the top. They are located in the Takhini area of Whitehorse just south of Yukon University, easily findable because they are close to well-used trails.
What are they?
One theory is that these posts are markers of early land surveys. This is probably not the case.
- Even early surveys are quite accurate. Their important points and corners are located quite precisely (within a metre or so; more accurately for modern surveys) and would not rely on living trees to be exactly in the right locations.
- Land surveys, some back to about 1900, are available from NRCan. One means of accessing these is via the the CLSS Map Browser online. No old or new surveys correspond to the Takhini Posts.
A more-plausible theory is that these posts indicate corners of mineral claims. While many early mineral claims were formalized with a land survey, this is generally not the case for later ones unless they move toward being mined.
- The staked corners of mineral claims do not have to be located extremely accurately, certainly not as accurately as points on land surveys. So, the closest living tree of about the right size would generally be acceptable.
- While modern mineral claims are marked with pre-fabricated square posts about 5 x 5 cm square, older claims often used squared-off living trees like the Takhini Posts. Indeed, a 1975 series of mineral claims (now expired) in the Real Thing area just across McIntre Creek from the Takhini Posts area used posts made from squared-off living trees. Many are still standing. The nearest such post, POI 41, is only 460 m from the Takhini Post 1.
- Mineral claims use metal tags on their posts to identify the claims. Many of the 1975 squared-off claim posts in the Real Thing area still have their metal tags but are located away from frequented trails. The Takhini Posts do not have tags. Tags may have been removed by passing souvenir hunters.
In any case, if the Takhini Posts marked mineral claims, those claims have now expired.
Because the Takhini Posts are in roughly the same condition as POI 41 and others in the Real Thing area, the hypothesis is that they are roughly the same age dating from 1975... or maybe a bit newer because they are in slightly better condition.
Where are they?
| Post | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60.74523 -135.10412 494324 6734415 |
   This post is hidden in a small fringe of woods between the pumphouse road and a sandy trail to the north. It has a nail in the base on one side. |
| 2 | 60.74642 -135.09712 494705 6734547 |
  This post is just east of University Drive (visible in the background of the second photo) a short distance down the corridor that skirts the northern boundary of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. One side is painted red. |
| 3 | 60.74400 -135.10024 494535 6734278 |
   This post is in a small clearing to the north of the paved multi-use trail, which is visible and the second and third photos. This is just to the west of the bench that overlooks the point where the trail forks down to University Drive. |
| POI 41 | 60.74905 -135.10703 494166 6734841 |
 This is a 1975 claim post similar to the Takhini Posts. It is POI 41 in the Real Thing area. |
Are there more?
Are there other posts like this in the same area?
If you find others, please let us know.
TimmiT History Exploration Notebook