OLD TORODA

NAME: Toroda and Old Toroda
COUNTY: Okanogan
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 2
CLIMATE: Snow in winter, and very cold
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer or Fall
COMMENTS: Okanogan County.
REMAINS: A couple of old log buildings, next to Cougar Creek.

Toroda was established at the confluence of Cougar and Toroda creeks. It mushroomed into existence shortly after 1896 when the area was opened to mineral claims. By the end of the year there were 25 cabins strung out along the intersection. Aligned on both sides of the road were a store, smithy, assay office and post office. Shortly after its post office was established it was suggested that the town be moved north about 4 miles. The town was moved to be closer to the main mines, and renamed Bodie. Submitted by: Ed Page

The first or Old Toroda, which is a mining ghost town , leaves very little evidence of it's existence today. It came into being about 1897 after the discovery of gold and silver in the area. We find just a few skeleton structures left, situated along Toroda Creek south of the Second Toroda, now called Bodie, and about 16 miles south of the Canadian border. It is five miles northeast of Wauconda in northeast Okanogan County. As the mines ceased producing, the residents would move to a locality where they could find employment, thus creating the different towns along Toroda Creek. The third or New Toroda lies fifteen miles to the northeast in Ferry County. It has been said that the name Toroda means "Dorothy" in a local Indian dialect, named after John Lute's wife. See other story on the name with New Toroda in the Ferry County. S38N R31E Section 21. Submitted by Maggie Rail.


This is the first Toroda, which is almost all gone, just a few skeleton structures left. This would be the one south of Bodie in Okanogan county.
Courtesy Maggie Rail

 

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