Okanagan History

City Of Vernon Established 1858

The city of Vernon was established in 1858, gold and fortunes won the arrival of men flocking to the area in droves looking for the unclaimed fortune, which was never found to be claimed. The people whom lived here were referred to as Salish (Native North American), the language was also Salish. Cornelius O'Keefe drove cattle from Oregon to the Cariboo, in his travels he came across the Head of The Lake as we know it today. Cornelius was infatuated by the grasslands and lake surroundings so he decided to camp out to use the resources available for feeding his cattle he was driving. He also heard of this tale of gold to be found here. Cornelius from that point on put together the O'Keefe Ranch to raise his family and cattle.

Okanagan History Index

By: Elaine Harrison