Watson Lake is named for its first white resident, Frank Watson. He settled at Fish Lake (now Watson) to fish and trap. The Kaska First Nation inhabited this area for thousands of years and still live here. When highway construction started, the area around the route took the Watson Lake name. The historic buildings date from 1942, when construction started and a post office built. Watson Lake Motors (1953), top left and above, opened when civilian vehicles were allowed on the AlCan. It was the largest garage north of Fort St. John.

AlCan Hwy ~ Watson Lake YT

Sands, Store (mid-1950s), above and top right, built first section. Note the intricate log pattern. Leslie Sands added the rest later, right side in top right photo. Hougen bought the store in 1975.