During 1942 and 1943, the Alaska Highway was built by the United States military in just 8 months and 23 days (1534 miles of highway was laid). It extended from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska, crossing through southern Yukon on its way. The Alaska Highway facilitated exploration that led to significant mineral finds in the Yukon. The total effect the highway had on the Yukon's development was even greater than the Gold Rush. It was followed by people, industries, tourist traffic and service establishments.