Greely Party

[October 24-November 8, 1985]

A small migration of refugees, led by ex-US Col. Henrionnet, who fled Alaska attempting to escape to the continental United States eventually settling in the former Canadian city of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Originally consisting of military personnel, along with their families and other local civilians, the commander of Fort Greely, Alaska ordered to abandon the base on October 24, 1985 and began marching overland to the US. The following day the party, discovering the borders deserted, had no trouble crossing the Canadian border and by the time they had reached Canadian city of Whitehorse, Yukon on the 28th the party had grown considerably larger with other refugees trying to reach the US. However the people of Whitehorse, fearing being overwhelmed by refugees from Alaska would use up their already small supplies, were not enthusiastic by their arrival with most in favor of turning the party away. With the tense situation between the city and the refugees both the Whitehorse leader, a senior Canadian military official, and Col. Henrionnet, with parts of the Alaska Highway destroyed planned an alternate route to Prince Rupert, British Columbia where the party could make their way into the US. Arriving in Prince Rupert on November 8 the party was trapped by a fierce blizzard as the infamous winter of 1985-86 began. Forced to stay in the city for the winter by the time it had subsided in May 1986 many of the party had settled in Prince Rupert and, along with the disturbing reports from the US, the remainder of the Greely party decided to stay in Prince Rupert permanently. These would be the first of many refugees, including former US military and law enforcement officials, to settle in the city.

1985-1986

• October 24
  The personnel ad dependents from Fort Greely evacuate the base and head for the lower 48 states.

  October 25

  The Greely Party reaches the Canadian border. The customs post is deserted. The party continues to accumulate refugees along the way.

  October 28

  The Greely Party reaches Whitehorse, Yukon Territories. The people of the partially abandoned town urges the party to continue on its way, fearing that an influx of newcomers would lead to the quick depletion of its meager supplies. The senior Canadian officer in Whitehorse suggests the party use the Cassiar Highway to Prince Rupert, as a major bridge is out along the Alaska Highway. Colonel Henrionnet agrees.

  November 1985 - May 1986

  Nuclear winter affects cause the longest, severest winter in recorded history. Almost 90% of the population of the northern Hemisphere dies from a combination of the nuclear attacks, starvation, disruption of the infrastructure, civil disorder, and the cold.

  November 8

  The Greely Party reaches Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Trapped by a storm, the survivors, including Craig Henrionnet, are forced to remain in Prince Rupert, where they are soon absorbed into that community.