He negotiated contracts in the United States, Canada, and Russia starting in 1858 and was appointed managing director of the Western Union Russian Extension, later known as the Collins Overland Line, in 1864.

[2] The route was planned originally to follow the Fraser River north from Quesnel to Fort George, but the river proved to be unnavigable during spring thaws, so an alternate route was chosen, following a trail used by the Dakelh First Nations people, who also were serving as guides for the surveying crews.

[3] Although the rest of the Collins Line remained active to Quesnel and even was extended east to Barkerville, the trail eclipsed its utility as the primary overland route from Quesnel for supplies and the thousands of prospectors eager to join the Omineca, Cassiar, and Klondike Gold Rushes.

[4]: 41, 47 The Yukon Telegraph Line continued construction in 1900, working south from Atlin and north from Quesnel simultaneously;[4]: 93, 102  that year, a short extension was built from Eagle, Alaska to Dawson City, linking the remote Alaskan territory, although a project led by Billy Mitchell would move American communications to an alternate line by 1903.

[5] Work on the Atlin–Quesnel segment had to pause with the onset of snow in fall 1900, leaving what the planners estimated to be a 30–50 mi (48–80 km) gap in the line south of Telegraph Creek.

It was also recognized for its role in communications and transportation, as well as its scientific association with the changes in communications technology, its current use by guide outfitters, its cultural association with First Nations and telegraph operators, its potential as a recreational resource, and its location within the pristine natural environment of Kitimat-Stikine Regional District.