Discovery Day Timeline

1968

The Yukon flag is selected

Created by Lynn Lambert for a territory-wide design competition, the Yukon flag is adopted.

1953

The capital of Yukon is changed

The capital seat is moved from Dawson to Whitehorse due to the construction of the Klondike Highway.

1911

Discovery Day goes public

The Yukon Order of Pioneers convinces the Territorial Council of Yukon to recognize Discovery Day as a public holiday.

1897

The first capital of Yukon is founded

Joseph Ladue founds Dawson City and it becomes the first capital of Yukon.

1896

Keish strikes gold

A Yukon native man, Keish, also known among the whites as Skookum Jim Mason, discovers gold at Bonanza Creek in Yukon.