Gold at Leech River
British Colonist Newspaper Archives, August 4, 1864
This gold find at Leech River in Sooke by the Black-owned Industry Company caused great excitement. Leechtown was named after Lieutenant Peter John Leech of the Royal Engineers, who led an expedition there. Gold was discovered on the Leech River a month before in July 1864. Unlike the distant Fraser and Caribou gold finds, prospectors could travel from Victoria overland by trail or by steamer within a day. Stores, hotels and other mining-related businesses were quickly established but within 18 months were abandoned. Leechtown is now a ghost town.