The Hidden History of the Trump Family’s Canadian Roots
A Canadian Connection to the Trump Empire
In a fascinating twist of history, Canada, the country currently facing trade tensions and criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, once played a pivotal role in shaping the Trump family’s fortunes. Nestled in the remote wilderness of British Columbia, near the Yukon border, lies a replica of a small wooden building that stands as a testament to this forgotten chapter. The structure is a recreation of the Arctic Restaurant & Hotel, a business established by Friedrich Trump, the grandfather of the 45th U.S. President, more than a century ago. This humble establishment, which served as both a restaurant and a brothel, was a key stepping stone in the Trump family’s rise to wealth and prominence.
The Replica and Its Historical Significance
The replica of the Arctic Restaurant & Hotel is located along the Chilkoot Trail, a historic route used by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. Constructed in 2017 by Parks Canada, the building’s design was inspired by the original structure, which was characteristic of the "false-fronted" buildings common in Bennett, a town that emerged during the Gold Rush era. While the replica’s exterior reflects the past, its interior now serves a modern purpose, housing a kitchen used exclusively by government workers. For historians and visitors alike, the site offers a glimpse into the lives of those who flocked to the region in search of gold—and the entrepreneurs, like Friedrich Trump, who catered to their needs.
Friedrich Trump: The Immigrant Entrepreneur
Friedrich Trump, a German immigrant, arrived in North America in the late 19th century. After working as a barber’s apprentice in New York City, he moved to Seattle, where he operated a small eatery. However, it was the lure of gold that brought him to Canada. In 1897, inspired by headlines declaring "Gold! Gold! Gold!" Trump sold his Seattle business and joined the thousands of prospectors heading north to the Yukon. Instead of seeking fortune in the goldfields, however, Trump saw an opportunity to serve the miners themselves. Along with a business partner, he established the Arctic Restaurant & Hotel in Bennett, a small town along the Klondike Gold Rush trail.
The Arctic Restaurant & Hotel: A Hub of Activity
The Arctic Restaurant & Hotel quickly became a hub for miners and travelers. Friedrich Trump’s establishment offered food, drinks, and lodging, but it also catered to other needs. The menu famously included roadkill, and the hotel’s backrooms were known for their illicit activities, including prostitution. Newspaper ads from the time hinted at the establishment’s reputation, with one writer cautioning respectable women to avoid the premises. Despite its seedy underbelly, the Arctic was a lucrative venture, and Trump’s ability to provide what the miners wanted—whether it was a hot meal, a drink, or other indulgences—allowed him to amass a significant fortune.
The Legacy of Friedrich Trump
By the early 1900s, the Gold Rush was beginning to wane, and authorities started cracking down on prostitution, gambling, and alcohol. Sensing the changing times, Friedrich Trump sold his business and returned to Germany. He later immigrated back to the United States, where he settled in New York City with his wife, who was pregnant with Donald Trump’s father, Fred. The wealth Friedrich accumulated in Canada laid the foundation for the Trump family’s future success. Fred Trump would go on to build a real estate empire, and his son, Donald, would expand the family’s reach into global business and politics.
Reflections on Gratitude and Irony
For some, the story of Friedrich Trump’s time in Canada serves as a reminder of the irony in Donald Trump’s stance toward the country. Pat Ellis, a 90-year-old Yukoner and author of a booklet on the gold rush, suggests that the replica of the Arctic Restaurant & Hotel should serve as a reminder of Canada’s role in the Trump family’s success. "He got the darndest history," Ellis remarked, referencing Donald Trump’s past. "Now he has a fantasy of taking over Canada. That’s gratitude, eh?" Ellis’ words highlight the complex interplay between history, family, and national identity. While the Trump name is now synonymous with American power and ambition, its origins are deeply rooted in Canada’s history.
