The big discovery in Alaska in the 19th century that made new settlers come was the Klondike Gold Rush. The discovery of gold in the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada in 1896 caused a massive influx of prospectors and settlers into the area. The rush was at its peak in 1897 and 1898 when tens of thousands of people traveled to the Klondike region in search of gold. The gold rush had a significant impact on the development of Alaska and the Yukon Territory and was a major factor in the growth of Seattle and other Pacific coast cities that served as supply points for the gold fields.