Curlew - Washington Ghost Town

CURLEW

NAME: Curlew
COUNTY: Ferry
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 2
CLIMATE: Cool winter and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime.

COMMENTS: Semi-ghost.
REMAINS: Much left.

If there was ever a town that was the victim of rumors, it was Curlew. The town had a modest beginning in the 1880s that started with a few trappers’ cabins and about the same number farms given the rich soil and only a few trees here and there. Soon there was a school and several stores. Occasionally there was some excitement when a prospector would come into town claiming he had struck gold in the nearby hills. Such was never the case and the town would settle back and take another nap. One day it was announced: “The railroad is coming!” More excitement. Real estate values advanced and property changed hands. But nothing happened. The railroad was the Spokane and Columbia that eventually was called “The Hot Air Railroad.” Curlew in time did get its railroad when the Great Northern came to town but by then it was too late. Curlew was just a whistle stop. The town offers an interesting visit if you’re in the area. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

If there was ever a town that was the victim of rumors, it was Curlew. The town had a modest beginning in the 1880s that started with a few trappers’ cabins and about the same number farms given the rich soil and only a few trees here and there. Soon there was a school and several stores. Occasionally there was some excitement when a prospector would come into town claiming he had struck gold in the nearby hills. Such was never the case and the town would settle back and take another nap. One day it was announced: “The railroad is coming!” More excitement. Real estate values advanced and property changed hands. But nothing happened. The railroad was the Spokane and Columbia that eventually was called “The Hot Air Railroad.” Curlew in time did get its railroad when the Great Northern came to town but by then it was too late. Curlew was just a whistle stop. The town offers an interesting visit if you’re in the area. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

BACK