Shuksan - Washington Ghost Town

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.

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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