Lillooet, British Columbia
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Lillooet is located on the banks of the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. It has a population of 2800 in town and 4500 in the region.
The site has been inhabitated for several millennia; by the St'at'imc people. In 1858 the Cariboo Gold Rush brought a large influx of gold miners. It is reputed that between 1858 and 1860 Lillooet was the largest community west of Chicago and north of San Francisco.
The community has been heavily dependent on the resource industries since 1858 with gold giving way to forestry in the 20th century.
Lillooet has a climate that is semi-arid (400mm precipitation per year). Summers are hot, often breaking 40°C and is often the hottest place in Canada during the summer months.
Lillooet is one of the southern most communities in North America where indigenous people form the majority. Just over 1/2 of the people in Lillooet and area are St'at'imc.
Lillooet also has some renowned from being the long time home of Margret 'Ma' Murray, owner and editor of the Bridge River Lillooet News