Stampede by Brian Castner

8 out of 10

In 1896, gold was discovered in the tributaries of the Yukon River Valley in the Klondike region.  Within three years 100,000 prospectors set off to stake a claim.  Only 1/3 would reach the gold fields, fewer than 1/4 would strike gold, and roughly 1/500 would get rich.

Many people simply abandoned the journey.  Some would set up temporary supply stores, saloons, or brothels.  Jack London became a writer.  Scammers, conmen, and extortion rackets were common.  Plus, hundreds lost their lives to starvation, hypothermia, avalanches, drownings, and murder.