Swannell Ranges adopted 7 December 1950 on 94C; confirmed 5 April 1951 on 94D, 17 January 1952 on 94E and 93N; confirmed 4 June 1953 on 94 C.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Extent clockwise from NW: (94 E) Stikine R-CHUKACHIDA R-Cushing Cr-Finlay R @ Mount Ward; (94 F) Pelly Cr; (94 C) PELLY CREEK-Ingenika R-Tomias L-Mesilinka R-Omineca R; (93 N) OMINECA R; (94 C) Omineca R; (94 D) Omineca R-Carruthers Cr-Quenada Cr-Asitka R-Asitka L-Sustut L-Moose Valley-Thorne L-Attichika Cr; (94 E) THUTADE LAKE-Sturdee R-Lawyers Cr-Metsanton Cr-Stikine R.

Source: Canadian Geographical Names Database, Ottawa

After Frank Cyril Swannell, BCLS (1879-1969), who did extensive early survey work in northern British Columbia. Biography in 1956 BCLS Annual Report; obituary in 1970 BCLS Report.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

"Considered one of British Columbia's most famous pioneer surveyors, Frank Swannell surveyed much of northern BC for the provincial government [in the early 20th century]... taking many striking photographs of the area and its people. Together with his journal, these images constitute the best record of the region during this period of enormous transition. His photos include portraits of the First Nations people, settlers and other well-known people in the region, plus images of well-known historical routes such as the Grease Trail and Yukon Telegraph Trail. The many modes of transportation of the time, including sternwheelers and stagecoaches, [were] also chronicled through Swannell's masterful lens...." (from Harbour Publishing Company's review of "Surveying Northern British Columbia: A Photojournal of Frank Swannell" by Jay Sherwood, Caitlin Press Inc, Prince George, 2004). "Author Jay Sherwood has culled the best photographs and journals from both the BC Archives' collection and that of the BC Land Surveyors to create "Surveying Northern British Columbia," a vivid illustration of northern BC from 1908 to 1914. With an engaging text that brings the era to life, Sherwood creates an accessible and entertaining saga for the modern reader. Says Sherwood about Swannell's work: 'His photographs appear in most books that cover the BC Interior in the early 20th century, yet he is seldom given more than passing credit.' Surveying Northern British Columbia sets out to correct this oversight by recognizing, and celebrating, Swannell's important place within the history of British Columbia." (ibid) [see also: "Surveying Central British Columbia: A Photojournal of Frank Swannell, 1920-28" by Jay Sherwood, published by Royal BC Museum, 2007; also "Return to Northern British Columbia: A Photojournal of Frank Swannell, 1929-39" by Jay Sherwood, published by Royal BC Museum, 2010.]

Source: included with note