SHUKSAN

NAME: Shuksan
COUNTY: Whatcom
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 6
CLIMATE: Cool winter and summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Anytime.
COMMENTS: Semi-ghost.
REMAINS: Many original buildings.
Originally referred to as Gold Hill, the town became known as Shuksan with a population of around 1,500 residents, most living in tents at the time. It was in 1897 that three prospectors working together made a big strike in the high country near Twin Lakes. Their finds triggered the gold rush to Mount Baker country. Their assay from the Loan Jack Mine ran $10,750 to the ton, an incomprehensible richness in an era when $20 to the ton was worth working. Hence, the original name of Gold Hill. By 1898, the town of Shuksan was growing daily. A post office was established along with stores and cabins. Whether afraid of hard work or for some other reason, two of the original three founders sold their rights to a Portland syndicate who in turn, a year later, sold to another Portland syndicate. The mine continued to yield significant returns until 1920. In 1920, the steep terrain took its toll; a violent snow slide overran the mill and wiped out the workings. The property today is privately owned. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

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